Then Lucas collapsed against her, sobbing into her plain uniform.
Diana covered her mouth. “Oh my God…”
Dr. Moore looked unsettled, not impressed.
Thomas whispered, “I haven’t seen him let anyone hold him like that since Mrs. Holloway passed.”
Richard froze.
For two years, his son had recoiled from touch, flinched at every attempt at comfort.
Now Lucas clung to this woman like she was the only solid thing left.
Maribel wrapped her uninjured arm around him, rocking gently. “You’re safe,” she whispered.
Richard’s anger dissolved into shock—and something dangerously close to hope.
When Lucas finally quieted, Maribel brushed his hair back and looked up at Richard.
“He wasn’t trying to hurt me,” she said evenly. “He was fighting the world. I just happened to be there.”
Shame hit Richard hard. He stared at her bleeding arm, then at his exhausted son.
“She stopped him from hurting himself,” Diana said softly.
Richard cleared his throat. “Miss Cruz… I misjudged the situation. I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way.”
She nodded. “You were scared for him.”
Still, Lucas whimpered when she shifted slightly.
Richard stepped closer. “Lucas,” he said gently. “Are you okay?”