Chapter 14

FRANKIE

I release a deep sigh as I finally manage to detangle Daniel’s tiny arms from around my neck and lay him gently on the bed. His little face is relaxed, his soft snores filling the room—a stark contrast to the whirlwind of energy he’d been just moments ago. We had a blast today, and playing with him made me miss my students back home even more. The laughter, the carefree moments, and the sheer joy of making him happy reminded me of all the beautiful things in life. But that nostalgia also brought with it a pang of sadness—thinking about how I might never get to teach again. Still, I pushed those thoughts away, determined not to let them ruin our perfect day.

I take one final look at him, his chest rising and falling with steady breaths, before heading to the door. The ornate wooden handle is cool under my fingers as I close it quietly behind me, careful not to disturb his peaceful slumber.

A scream lunges in my throat when I hear a baritone voice behind me,