Hugs Before The Storms

I glance at Zayn as his expression softens, his sharp demeanor giving way to something gentler. 

"Kattie?" 

He says quietly, stepping closer.

I swallow hard, feeling the lump in my throat grow heavier. My hands tremble slightly, and I rub them together, trying to steady myself. 

"I just miss my kids." 

I admit, my voice is breaking despite my best efforts to keep it steady. 

"With everything going on, I feel like I've been so distant. They're sensing it—I know they are—and it's killing me."

Candy reaches out, her hand warm and grounding on my arm. 

"You're doing your best, Kattie. They know you love them."

I nod, but the ache in my chest doesn't ease. 

"I know they do," 

I murmur, the words heavy. 

"But love isn't enough when they're growing up in all this chaos. I want to be there for them, to shield them from this mess. Instead, I'm here, wrapped up in games with people like Price."