Maya staggered back, gasping, one hand flying to her face. She didn’t cry out. Didn’t even speak. Her eyes just locked on his, stunned more by the blow than the fury. “I don’t care what excuse you have,” Edward growled. “You’re fired. Get out of my house now.” She stood still for a moment, hand pressed to her cheek, trying to steady her breath.

Her voice when it came was low, almost a whisper. They begged me not to leave them. I stayed because they were finally calm. Finally safe. Uh, I said, “Get out.” Maya glanced down at the boys, still sleeping so deeply, so peacefully, as if the shadows that haunted them had finally lifted.

She leaned over gently, kissed the top of Eli’s head, then Ethan’s. No words, no fanfare. And then she stepped away from the bed, shoes in hand, and walked past Edward without another word. He didn’t stop her. He didn’t apologize. Downstairs, Mrs. Keller turned as Maya descended the stairs. The red mark on her cheek spoke volumes. The older woman’s eyes widened in shock. Maya said nothing.