QUINN

The moment her fragile little body collided with mine, I let out a broken, ragged cry, hugging her tightly to my chest. My heart clenched so hard that every breath dragged painfully against my ribs.

She was alive.

She was safe.

She was right here in my arms.

“Why did you leave? Why?” I choked out against her hair, feeling the faint, rhythmic rise and fall of her little ribs as she clutched me back. “You scared me so much... you almost killed me.”

“I'm sorry, I didn't want to make you worry,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I'm sorry... I thought if I left, then you could finally...