Chapter 172

Sergeant approached Alan's bedside, observing his peaceful appearance. Unlike the last time he saw him in a hospital bed, there were no tubes protruding from his chest. Just one IV line and serene beeping from the machines. Pulling up a chair beside Alan's head, he struggled to find the right words.

"Alan, Susan's okay. Your son's going to be okay. You need to come back for them. I know I said this before when you were hurt, but this time it's my fault. Imagine how screwed up their lives will be if I have to step in for the next 20 years. Your boy'll end up like me—an all-star idiot. Afraid of girls 'til he's 40, tied to Susan's apron strings. And Susan... She's never been happier, all because of you. How can I replace that in her heart? I can't. I just got married, found someone of my own. Susan wants me to keep Cassandra happy, won't let me make time for her too. You have to come back, just once more. You can k