I understood her fear.

She had three children relying on her, employment she couldn’t afford to lose, and a brother who’d promised help without having the authority to offer it.

I nearly volunteered.

The words were ready: I could watch them Monday while she searched for alternatives.

Calling Dr. Bennett and taking a day off would be easy.

Perhaps two days.

Or a few more until Heather found someone.

But I understood how quickly temporary assistance could turn into an obligation.

And Seth had been relying on precisely that possibility.

I almost agreed to care for the children on Monday.

Then I recognized that giving in was exactly what he’d anticipated.

PART 3 — THE CHOICE

Chapter 7 — Monday Was Still Coming

I barely slept Saturday night.

Several times, I woke in my apartment and instinctively reached toward the other side of the bed before remembering Seth wasn’t there.