When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 278

Tina did have a point. Even if Nelly disappeared from their lives, Carrie and Brody would be fine. Carrie loved her mom, but that didn’t mean she’d ever give up her dad. And she definitely wouldn’t push Sheila away either.

A heavy, tired feeling swept over Nelly, weighing her down. Still, she managed to ask her daughter, “Carrie, will you come with me?”

Before Carrie could answer, Tina jumped in. “Carrie, your dad’s still in the hospital. Didn’t you say you wanted to stay with him?”

Tina’s voice had that certain authority that always made Carrie hesitate. Carrie pressed her lips together, looking torn, and didn’t say a word. Ms. Olson had warned her about this. If she really had to pick between her mom and her dad, she honestly didn’t know what she would do. She missed her mom, but she couldn’t just leave her dad behind.

All day, Tina kept saying that her dad was in the hospital because of her mom. Carrie didn’t believe it, not really, but it still hurt to hear.

Facing her daughter’s silence, Nelly understood what she was feeling. “I was going to finish up my work in a few days and come home to spend time with you. But maybe you don’t need me anymore.”

Nelly’s voice came out cold, sharper than she meant. She hadn’t wanted to take it out on her daughter, but she couldn’t help herself. The words made tears well up in Carrie’s eyes. She whispered, “Mom…” but Tina’s warning look stopped her right there.

“I want to see Brody,” Nelly said, turning away. She was ready to leave, but the more everyone tried to keep her out of the hospital room, the more determined she was to go in. Since Carrie had already made her choice, there was no point dragging things out with Brody anymore. Jonah was right. It was time to settle things with the Garland family.

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