Page 98 of Her Summer Hope

The world around her seemed distant, a blur of colors and sounds that she barely registered. Murdock's presence beside her was the only thing anchoring her down and keeping her from falling apart.

Rob's parents' words, the glimpse into a future that Rob had planned without her knowledge, left her feeling betrayed and more alone than ever.

Had any of her marriage been true, or had it all been a lie? Just how long had he planned it all? Years?

Murdock took her home, where he spoke in low tones as he left with John, promising that he’d come back soon.

Later, Madison lay in her bed, surrounded by the darkness of her room except for the dull flashing of the classic movie playing on mute on the TV.

The silence was broken only by the incessant glow of the clock on her nightstand, each changing number a reminder of the looming custody battle.

She tossed restlessly, freezing every time she heard Em move around.

The memories of happier times in this very room now seemed tainted by Rob’s parents' words, and by the things Rob had planned to do to her and the kids.

Had he really planned to try to take the kids from her?

She could hear the faint sounds of the house settling, each creak familiar and slightly annoying as she attempted to rest, if not sleep.

Her thoughts drifted to her children, their innocent faces unaware of the turmoil that threatened to upheave their lives. The mere thought of losing them tightened her chest, her breathing becoming shallow as the panic welled up inside.

Despite her exhaustion, sleep eluded her. Every scenario, every possible outcome of the upcoming court proceedings played out in her mind. Her heart pounded with fear, the palpable sense of dread sending tangy adrenaline racing through her veins.

As the minutes and hours passed, her fears seemed to grow, looming over her. She pressed replay on the movie, but still, the darkness of the room felt oppressive.

The first pale light of dawn began to seep through the curtains.

With a deep, resigned sigh, she pushed the blankets aside and rose from the bed, knowing that even if she did happen to fall asleep now, it was much too late.

In the kitchen, the sun rose as it always did, filtered through the windows, casting the same glow over the breakfast table where Madison worked, forcing a smile for the kids’ sake.

She poured cereal into bowls and sliced fruit, her movements mechanical. The kids were already seated, their chatter filling the room with the lively energy of a typical morning. Emmie gurgled in her playpen, her little fists popping in and out of her mouth as she struggled to control them.

"Hey, Mom!" Ellie's cheerful voice broke through Madison's reverie. "Can we go to the park after schoolwork today?"

Madison turned, trying to make her smile as bright as it usually was. "We'll see, honey," she replied. “Remember we have to go to town later to meet with the lawyer.”

Jack eyed her cautiously. "Are you okay, Mommy?"

Madison nodded, setting the plates in front of them. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Just a little tired, that's all," she said, hoping her words sounded more convincing than they felt.

James seemed blissfully unaware of the tension, happily munching on his cereal. But Madison could feel Ellie and Jackson's eyes on her, sensing that something was wrong.

As they ate, Madison engaged in their conversation, laughing at their jokes and stories, but her laughter felt hollow and forced. She watched them, her heart aching with love and fear, the thought of losing them a constant black cloud that loomed over her.

Shortly after the kids finished and sat at the table working on their schoolwork, Madison got a call from Mr. Harrison.

She filled him in on the meeting with Rob’s parents. He didn’t have much to say about it, though his words did reassure her a little. They would talk more later that afternoon in person.

She hung up and rested her elbows on the counter, her forehead on her hands.

Ellie approached her with a hesitant step. "Mom, what's going to happen in court?"

Madison crouched down to Ellie's level, her heart heavy with the responsibility of explaining the complexities of the adult world. She searched for the right words, choosing each one carefully to provide honesty without instilling fear.

"Sweetheart, Mommy has to talk to some people who will help decide what's best for us as a family," she said gently, her tone soothing.

Ellie's brows furrowed slightly, digesting her mother's words. "But you're the best mom. Why do they need to decide anything? I don’t understand."

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