Lily’s Point of view

Just like every peaceful breath, I glanced over at Aiden's little chest rising and falling as I sat on the edge of my bed. The room was lit softly due to the nightlight in the corner, casting long shadows throughout the room. Completely unaware of what war was raging within my chest, his little hand was clutched in the duvet and he slept peacefully.

I ought to have slept. The fatigue was all-encompassing; body, mind, and spirit all pleading for slumber. Instead, however, I was there awake, rigid as a board, tortured by indecision between two options I could not select.

When I heard a gentle...