When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 152

“Mom, if you really don’t like Ms. Olson, I… I can stop hanging out with her so much… But please, don’t leave me. I want you to come home. I want us to be a family, just like before.”

Carrie spoke slowly and clearly, like she was making a promise to herself as much as to Nelly. She did love spending time with Sheila, but after everything that had happened, she realized she needed her mom even more. If she had to pick, she would always choose her mom.

“Just like before?” Nelly asked quietly.

Carrie nodded, almost desperately.

A tiny smile tugged at Nelly’s lips, but when she saw the hope in her daughter’s eyes, she couldn't bring herself to say anything. The words just stuck in her throat.

*

Sheila rushed up the stairs, not stopping until she reached the roof of the hospital. Brody, worried she might do something reckless, ran after her, his heart pounding. He found her by the railing, hiding her face in her hands as she sobbed.

“Sheila, come here.” Brody stepped closer, his voice low and steady.

Sheila didn’t move at first, but when he gently turned her around, she fell against his chest, clinging to him.

“Brody, I don’t have anyone else… I only have you… I would never hurt Carrie. I’d never hurt you. I’d rather die…”

Her cries came in broken gasps, and it tore at Brody’s heart. She was completely alone, and he knew it was his fault. Nelly was furious, and that was on him, too.

A dull ache settled in Brody’s chest.

“I know, Sheila. I know.” He kept his voice soft, trying to comfort her.

His words only made her sob harder, and it took a long time before he could finally lead her back to her hospital room.

Brody watched her eat in silence. He didn’t believe what Nelly had accused Sheila of, but Sheila was still shaken. As she picked at her food, her mind wandered to Hank. He’d been caught, but would he protect her for Selina’s sake? If he didn’t, Selina could end up in trouble, too. Sheila couldn’t be sure. Hank was desperate. Who knew what he’d do in the end?

“Brody… you once promised you'd always protect me. Even if I made a mistake, you wouldn’t go back on your word, right?” Sheila’s question came out of nowhere, making Brody pause.

“What are you talking about?” he asked, frowning.

Sheila shook her head quickly. “Nothing. I was just thinking about how Nelly suspects me. I’d never do what she thinks I did, but I’m scared that one day, if I do something wrong for you, you’ll get mad at me too…”

Brody was lost in his own thoughts and didn’t really catch the meaning behind her words. “I won’t be mad at you,” he said quietly.

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