CHOSEN BY A SINNER (Completed)

...

Emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Mom brings me coffee that tastes like lukewarm water and cream, but I force it down.

"Want anything to eat, sweetheart?" she asks.

I shake my head, then say, "You don't have to stay."

"We'll wait for Alexei and Bella," Dad replies. I glance at Uncle Demitri and Aunt Ariana. They've been quiet.

"Thanks for the help, Uncle Demitri."

He nods, tightening his hold on his wife's hand.

Uncle Alexei comes into the waiting room and gestures for me to follow him. Once we're outside, he says, "We're staying the night with Mariya. The two of us will have to take turns because there's no way I'm getting my wife away from our daughter."

"I understand." We stare at each other for a moment until I

shake my head.

"I know, son," my godfather... damn, my father-in-law

says. "We'll all get through this for Mariya."

"We will."

His features strain with heartache. "Christ, Luca."

Not hesitating, I pull him into a hug. We embrace each other for a long while, then I promise, "I won't let you down again."