NATALIE'S HOME

The little snowflakes fell onher eyelids, making her squint as she turned over on the chair. Instinctively, she sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"Ugh... What happened?" Bethany muttered, her voice hoarse.

She pressed her fingers to her temples, trying to soothe the pounding headache that refused to relent.

The pain was sharp, almost debilitating, and for a fleeting moment, she considered staying home. But no—she couldn't afford to sit her ass down. Not now. Not when she had a son to fight for. She shook her head, dismissing the idea.

Her gaze swept across the place, landing on the mess of beer bottle that scattered on the...