When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 40

Nelly strolled over and reached into her bag. She pulled out a piece of milk candy and a little keychain, then opened her hand and offered them to April.

April’s legs, which had been swinging back and forth, suddenly stilled. She stared at Nelly, her big, dark eyes blinking shyly under long lashes.

“Go ahead,” Nelly coaxed softly. “This milk candy is really good. And this charm is a little gift from me.”

As she spoke, she gently unwrapped the candy and handed it to April.

April’s mom, standing nearby, started to protest. “My daughter’s not great with strangers. She usually just ignores them, so please don’t mind…”

But before she could even finish, April grabbed the candy and popped it into her mouth.

Nelly smiled and pressed the panda charm into the girl’s tiny palm. “April, be a good girl, okay? This panda will stay with you during your checkup.”

It was Finn’s favorite toy. He used to carry it everywhere, never letting it out of his sight. After he was gone, Nelly always kept it close. Seeing April today felt like seeing Finn all over again. Giving April the panda was like letting go of a little bit of her grief, and for a moment, she felt comforted.

April looked up at Nelly for a long moment, her dark eyes clear and bright. Then she nodded.

“Looks like April really likes you,” her mom said, a little surprised. “She never acts this way with people she doesn’t know.”

Something twisted inside Nelly at her words. She worried she might lose control of her emotions, so she quickly excused herself and stepped out.

Jessie understood what was going through her mind. There was something about April that reminded them both of Finn.

As soon as they were out in the hall, Jessie handed Nelly a tissue. “If you need to cry, just do it. No point holding it in.”

“I’m fine,” Nelly replied, but her voice wavered.

“I’m not Brody. I’m not going to tell you to keep it together in public. As your doctor, I’m telling you, crying is good for you.”

Jessie had been there the day Finn died. That was the only time she’d ever seen Nelly break down in front of others, but Brody had never allowed her to show that side of herself.

Jessie’s words made Nelly laugh, even though her eyes shimmered with tears. She blinked them away quickly.

“You’re gorgeous, you know,” Jessie said, glancing her up and down. “You’re a hundred times better than Sheila. Honestly, Brody must be out of his mind.”

Nelly grinned. “Dr. Morton, you’re absolutely right. Which is why I’m getting a divorce.”

“Good for you. I bet Brody’s going to regret it.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify