Chapter Twenty-Seven

Leslie was in pain and couldn’t shake off the feeling of guilt that engulfed her from the moment the doctor announced her mother’s death. It broke her heart. She’d been away for two years, and that wasn’t just how long it had been since she’d last seen her mother. After graduation, Leslie stayed back in California to work and also commit to Luke. It hurt that she had alienated her family for so long and had only come back when it was too late. Shaun saw her distress and had to console her. “Leslie, it will be alright. We will pull through this.” Leslie shook her head. “It hurts, Shaun. I didn’t get enough time with her, and she only saw me again on her deathbed. We didn’t even get to talk. I didn’t get to say anything to her.” Shaun embraced her. “It’s alright. I know how you feel. I’ve stayed in New York the most, but that doesn’t mean I was always around. I also never gave Mom much time, which was why I got irritated each time she called to complain that you didn’t visit.” Lesl