If I Leave I'm Admitting defeat

"Mommy, did I cause trouble at the hospital that day?" Juniper could vaguely sense that this matter had something to do with her because she'd only received the toad after going to the hospital that day. "No, you didn't cause trouble for me, Juniper." Pouting, Juniper hung her head. "I'll never wander around again, Mommy."

A gratified smile manifested on Selena's face. "Okay. You've grown up, Juniper. Hurry up and sleep. I'll be keeping you company here."

"Alright. Good night, Mommy. I love you." After kissing her on the cheek, Juniper docilely pulled the covers over herself. Selena hummed her a lullaby, and she dozed off in no time. Then, Selena kissed her on the forehead. "Sleep well."

Silently getting out of the bed, she tucked the covers around Juniper. When she walked out of the room, a wave of exhaustion abruptly engulfed her. Even when I left the country with Juniper back then and walked a fine line within life and death, I've never been this despondent.