Jack’s POV
The faint hum of the heater was the only sound in the small motel room, its warmth barely cutting through the chill left behind from last night’s storm. My body ached from the fight with Angelo—my jaw sore, my knuckles raw—but it was nothing compared to the gnawing ache in my chest.
I turned my head slightly, the dim early morning light filtering through the blinds just enough to see them. Rose and Ellie were curled up on the bed next to mine, Ellie’s tiny frame tucked against her mom’s side, her stuffed bunny squished between them. Rose’s hand rested protectively on Ellie’s back, her features softened in sleep, though faint bruises were visible on her neck even now.
They looked peaceful, and for a moment, I let myself believe it was real—that we were just a family waking up
