I couldn't bear to look at my guard, couldn't bear to think about the what-ifs and the maybes. If only I had been more careful, if only I had trusted my instincts. My mind was consumed by regret and self-blame, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had failed my children.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, but it was no use. The memories of that day kept flooding my mind, taunting me with what could have been. I remembered the way my children had laughed and played, the way they had hugged me goodbye. I remembered the way I had trusted my guard and...