Chapter 227: This Ends Today

Savannah “Hi, Mom.” The word mom still felt fragile in my mouth. Like glass. Like something that could shatter if I said it too loudly. I guess that's what years of trauma does to a person. She pulled me into a hug immediately, arms thin and trembling around my shoulders. I had to fight the instinct to brace her, afraid that if I leaned too hard, she might break in my arms. She was smaller than the last time I’d seen her. Frailer. I could literally feel her bones beneath the fabric of her sweater, her body light in a way that made something twist painfully in my chest. She pulled back just enough to look at me properly. “You look beautiful, sweetie.” Her hands cupped my face, thumbs brushing my cheeks. Her eyes filled instantly. “You’re practically glowing.” I smiled, though my throat burned. I glanced around the driveway instinctively—just to be sure. Just us. Me, Mom, and Roman standing a step behind me, solid and steady like an anchor. The house loomed quietly behind her. Alyssa was