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“Where’s ie’s cries echoed off the linoleum, and Jason’s heart clenched as he skidded into her room

By Maggie’s bed, Karen the nurse sighed in relief and said, “Look, here he is, sweetie”

He brushed by the two other people in the roo distantly that soie into his ar his T-shirt

“It’s okay I’, he rubbed her back, staring at the ruazes

Sobbing, Maggie whined, “Where were you?”

The guilt intensified, and he despised himself “I’ sex He was unbearably selfish

Everyone was right I’m a horrible father

Athe door to protect against the media since the FBI had left His voice was low, bushy eyebrows drawn into one line “I’m so sorry, Mr Kellerman They said they’re your parents Shelly and Robert Kellerman I checked their ID”

Jason cleared his dry throat, still holding Maggie tightly “They are” He looked his parents in the eye “But they have no right to be here”

“Son, we only want to help” His father peered at hiier than Jason re past his forehead and shot through with gray

“Son? Seriously?” He exhaled slowly “Maggie needs her rest Wait for me outside”

His ht We didn’t mean to upset her Or you”

They left, along with the guard and Karen, who gave hiie’s sobs had slowed, and she hiccupped and sniffed

“Why did they coht they didn’t like us”

“Oh, honey It’s not that It was never about not liking you You’re wonderful We just disagreed on how to raise you It was about ” He’d rarely ever talked to Maggie about them He’d answered any questions she’d had, but his family simply hadn’t been part of their life