?<strong>Chapter 1054:</strong>


    Yet, as Jakey there, with Kallie beside him, something shifted within him. It was hard to let go of something he had held onto for so long. Staring at the ceiling, Jake’s thoughts grew hazy. A fleeting wish crossed his mind—how nice it would be if time could freeze in this moment. But he knew better. Whatever was meant to leave would eventually slip away.


    The soft rhythm of Kallie’s and Elma’s breathing lulled Jake, and slowly, sleep imed him.


    Jake wasn’t sure how long he had slept before a sudden sh of light jolted him awake. He sat up quickly, his senses instantly on edge.


    Beside him, a mumble broke the silence, almost like a protest against being disturbed.


    Jake’s unfocused eyes gradually adjusted, and his groggy mind cleared. He realized it was still the middle of the night, only a few hours since he’d dozed off. The sh of light had been lightning. A storm was gathering outside.


    Jake turned his head, searching for Elma, who should have been asleep between him and Kallie. But her small form was nowhere in sight. Instead, Kallie had moved closer in her sleep, curled up against him. Her face was calm and peaceful, like a child lost in dreams. There was something tender about the sight, stirring a protective instinct in him.


    Jake was lost in the moment before worry quickly snapped him back to the present. Where had Elma gone? Concern etched itself into his brow as he prepared to search for her.


    Before Jake could get up, thunder boomed overhead, loud and sudden.


    Kallie stirred awake instantly, her body trembling as she clutched her ears.


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    Jake froze, his gaze softening at the sight of her fear.


    “Stay here,” he said gently, his voice calm.


    “I’ll find Elma ande back soon.”


    Kallie nodded slowly, still shaken by the thunder. Her wide eyes reflected her unease as she whispered for him to check on Elma first.


    Jake hesitated, ncing at her once more. He had always known Kallie feared storms, and seeing her like this stirred his concern even further.


    Just as Jake reached for the door and was about to leave, Sophie’s familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.


    “You should stay in the room with my mom. Elma is with me now.”


    For a moment, Jake stood still, unsure if he had imagined it. There it was again—Sophie’s voice, just outside the door. Despite the awkwardness, Sophie continued firmly, “Mom gets scared during thunderstorms. I’ll stay with Elma, and you stay with my mom. Thank you.”


    Before Jake could respond, the sound of Sophie’s footsteps faded into the distance.


    Opening the door, Jake saw that Sophie had already vanished down the hall. If he hadn’t realized what was going on by now, he truly would have been blind to it. It was clear. The children had orchestrated this moment with purpose.


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