Chapter 97-at home at last

The moment we stepped through the door, a sense of relief washed over me. We were finally home. It felt like a lifetime since I had last walked through this threshold, but there was something different about this time. It wasn't just the physical space----it was the change in the air, the way everything seemed just a little bit lighter, a little less heavy. It wasn't perfect, not by any means, but it was a step in the right direction. I didn't even have time to fully take in the warmth of the house before my feet were moving toward Ethan's room. My heart had been heavy with worry ever since I'd heard about the accident. It was like I couldn't breathe until I knew he was okay. I pushed open the door quietly, my eyes immediately searching for my son. Ethan lay in his crib, surrounded by the soft glow of the nightlight, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest telling me that he was peacefully asleep. Relief filled me, but it was bittersweet. I stepped closer, careful not to disturb him. T