Chapter 54

Ramon POV

Ollie remained curled against Lake’s chest, his small fingers clutching his brother’s sweatshirt with the kind of desperate grip that suggested he had no intention of letting go anytime soon.

Lake’s eyes were already drifting closed, exhaustion finally overtaking the adrenaline and heartbreak that had kept him functioning through the morning’s crisis. His breathing was evening out, one hand resting protectively on Ollie’s back even as sleep claimed him.

“Papa Ramon?” Ollie whispered, his voice small but determined. He hadn’t taken his eyes off Lake’s face, as if watching him sleep was the only way to ensure he wouldn’t disappear. “Can I miss school today?”

I moved closer to the bed, keeping my own voice quiet so as not to disturb Lake’s descent into much-needed rest. “You want to stay home?”

Ollie nodded, his expression serious in that way that reminded me he’d been forced to grow up far too quickly.

“I don’t wanna leave Mama alon