Samuel
I never thought I’d find myself here—sitting in my own loft, staring at a photograph of my grandson, while my body betrays me cell by cell.
Cancer.
The word rattles around in my head like a curse. I don’t say it out loud, haven’t breathed it to anyone—not even Stephen. Especially not Stephen.
He has his whole life ahead of him. A family. A wife who loves him. A son who worships him. Another baby on the way.
And me? I’ve lived a life. A flawed one, yes, full of mistakes and regrets, but I’ve had my time. The thought of dragging my son into my battle—it feels wrong. He doesn’t need to be worrying about me when he’s finally building something better than I ever managed.
A soft knock pulled me from my thoughts. Before I could get up, the door eased open and Laura stepped inside, b
