No Looking Back

Rowan's cries echoed through the hallway, loud and desperate, as he watched Celine walk away without so much as a glance back.

Taking a few shaky steps forward, he called out, "Mommy. Are you really abandoning me?" His voice was raw, filled with heartbreak and despair.

"Yes." Celine's steps faltered briefly, but she didn't turn around. Without hesitation, she stepped into the elevator.

"No, Mommy.