Page 64 of Knot What I Expected

Times when Nando sent one message.

Go.

And we went.

No packing.

No planning.

No goodbyes.

Just whatever we could carry and however far I could get us before somebody found our trail again.

Matteo learned young that if something matters, you keep it close. Just in case Mommy says it’s time to leave.

And that? That is my fault.

My eyes burn.

Fuck.

No.

Not today.

Today is sneakers.

Today is cool snacks if he wants one.

Today, my son gets to be a kid.

“Mommy! I’m ready!”

I blink quickly, plaster a bright smile across my face, and climb out of the car.

“Hey, baby.”

He stops. His little face immediately scrunches.

“What’s wrong, Mommy?”

“Nothing.”

His gaze slides toward the car.

Smart kid.

Too damn smart sometimes.

“Is the car broke again?”

“Um...”

The engine chooses that moment to make an ominous clicking sound.

Traitor.

I brighten my smile.