The next part changes everything.

at the end.

My steps slowed when I saw the hospital bed set up inside.

Machines hummed softly. Tubes snaked across the blankets.

And there he was.

My stepson.

So pale.

So much thinner than before.

Next to the bed sat a plastic container filled with tiny folded paper stars.

My husband picked one up and placed it in my hand.

“He makes one every time the pain continue reading …