Released (Devil's Blaze MC #3)(81)

As I leave my bedroom, I spot my mom in our quaint, outdated kitchen, trying to pack our lunches and struggling as she does so. "Mom, I'll finish this up," I tell her, grabbing the bread to make my brother's special PBJ and banana sandwich. It's the only one he'll eat.

She flushes with obvious relief. "Thank you, baby girl." I immediately feel guilty that I didn't do this earlier. Mom tries so hard, but she’s just not strong enough anymore. Her disease is crippling her slowly, and it's painful to watch. Her body has become her prison. Just another reason I have to try harder for her.

Finishing up packing our sacks, I help mom back to her wrought-iron bed, fluffing the pillows as she reclines. I kiss her cheek, inhaling her unique scent. I know this is where she'll stay for the rest of the day, until we come home. I usher Evan out of the little house in a panic so we won't miss the bus.

I call over my shoulder, “I love you, mom!” It's just another day in the life of Ella Anderson.