When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 146

“Mom… Mommy’s hurt…” Carrie’s voice was thick with tears.

Brody rushed to Nelly’s side, calling her name softly before gently lifting her into his arms. The ambulance had already pulled up. Without thinking, he bundled Nelly close and reached for Carrie’s hand, guiding them both inside.

Police were blocking off the area outside. Hank was being taken away in handcuffs. Carrie was placed in a separate car for the ride to the hospital.

Inside the ambulance, a nurse quickly placed an oxygen mask over Nelly’s face and began tending to her wounds. Brody never let go of her hand, watching her so closely you’d think his eyes alone could keep her breathing.

He looked frantic, more tense than anyone had ever seen him. He was so focused on Nelly, he barely even seemed to remember Carrie was there too, needing comfort just as much.

“How is she?” Brody finally managed to ask the nurses, his voice rough and low.

“Her heartbeat’s fine,” said one nurse. “She’s probably just unconscious, but we’ll need to do more tests at the hospital to be sure.”

Before she could finish, Nelly’s eyelashes fluttered and she slowly woke up. Her vision went from hazy to clear, and the first person she saw was Brody.

Under the harsh white lights, Brody’s face looked even paler. His dark brows were drawn together, exhaustion written all over him.

Nelly’s head throbbed sharply. She winced. Brody’s voice came out urgent and worried. “Don’t move. Just lie down. Where does it hurt?”

“My head. It hurts,” she whispered. Honestly, her whole body ached, like her bones had come apart, but she could tell nothing was seriously wrong. She’d just banged her head and was still a bit dizzy.

“Is it really bad?” Brody asked the nurse. “Is there anything you can do to help with the pain?”

“We’ll put an ice pack on it for now. She’ll need a scan once we reach the hospital.”

The nurse grabbed an ice pack, but before she could use it, Brody reached out and took it from her.

That’s when Nelly realized how tightly Brody was holding her hand. A wave of discomfort hit her, and she gently pulled away.

“I’ll do it myself,” she said, her voice distant. The words landed like a splash of cold water. Brody froze, embarrassed, and let go.

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