Anger was still fresh in Ashley as she slammed Gabriel's car door shut. As she turned the corner, her phone abruptly rang. She took a deep breath, seeing Yulia's name on the screen, and swiped to answer with as much calm as she could muster.
"Mommy," chirped her daughter Chris immediately after the call connected.
Ashley, always worried about Chris, felt a sharp pang in her throat at the sound of Chris' voice, and tears began to flow uncontrollably.
Chris' voice was youthful and cheerful, filled with energy. "Mommy, did you miss me? Because I missed you!"
"I've missed you too," Ashley responded with a tearful smile. "Have you been sleeping well? Are you taking your medicine like the doctor told you?"
Chris stammered a bit, "Yes, I've been taking it." Ashley sensed something off and co
