“And now it’s too late,” I finished for him. I shook my head. “This isn’t Carol. She knows I wouldn’t try to keep the baby.”
I read the messages again.
“She’s clearly not thinking straight, Anna. She’s been spiraling for months.”
“But—”
Before I could finish, the door opened.
Carol came back in smiling through tears. Rob followed behind her.
“Mom’s on her way—” she broke off, and her eyes narrowed as she took in my tears and Paul’s expression. “What’s going on in here?”
Paul cleared his throat. “Carol, we need to talk. About the baby.”
Her eyes went wild.
“She’s been spiraling for months.”
“You don’t get to talk to me about MY baby,” she said in a trembling voice. “As soon as they bring him back here, I’m going to hold him. You’ll go to your room, and that’s it.”
Rob put a hand on her shoulder. “Carol, please listen.”
“No!” Her eyes snapped to Rob. “What did you tell them?”
Rob looked shattered. “Carol—”
Paul stepped between them. “Carol, listen. We want to help you.”
“I don’t need your help. Not anymore.”
“What did you tell them?”
I said, “We’re worried about you.”
“Please, honey,” Rob said, reaching for her. “You’re not well.”
