A Mother's Love
There he was. The man who wanted to take everything from me. But, not for nothing. No, not for nothing. For my son's life. But, no matter what, Lydecker is not stealing my last minutes with them. I focus on Case and Charlie and barely acknowledge the syringe that I can only hope will save Case. If it doesn't, Lydecker'll be dead in a heartbeat.
For exactly one minute, I allow my focus to shift: to Lydecker and the syringe and the men all around us and Max and, of course, on Case and Charlie. I watch Max take the syringe and bring it to Case, hoping with Max and Charlie that it'll take the repugnant mark off his neck. The mark that is entirely my fault. I'm so relieved to see it fade and Case open his eyes. I fight back tears as I smile at him, stroke his hair and then kiss Charlie goodbye. There is no time to tell them all I wish I could. I can only hope they know it. In one last glance, I try to say it.
I love you. Charlie, I love you and I'm sorry you had to find out like this. Watch over Case as I know you will. Keep him safe. Maybe Zack had a point after all. I should have never brought you into this, but that decision was made a long time ago and damn it all, I'd do it again. It was with you the first time I ever felt safe and just when I didn't think I could be happier, Case came along. Together, we watched him make his first steps and grow as he has. I will always treasure every moment.
Case, baby, momma loves you. I'm so very sorry, but am so proud of you. I hope one day you'll understand why I had to go and can forgive me. There're so many things I wish I could be there to teach you: about yourself, about school, about girls... There're so many things I wish and worry for you. I hope you stay safe and find many loyal and dear friends who can understand how special you are. I hope you don't fear all you can do and make the best of it. Most of all, I do wish with all my heart to see you again. You'll always be with me. I love you.
I'd barely felt the hands leading me away from my family and back to the castle that's a prison. If I'm completely honest with myself, I don't think I'll make it back. But, I will not give them the satisfaction of the tears that threaten to come. I'll hold on to the hope that I will be back, vague as it may be, and it'll be my strength. I would tell Case I was a princess. Yes, a princess who had stolen one wonderful, fleeting adventure for herself and the magic had finally run out.