The sight of Cameron stole the air from Merlina's lungs.
Through the glass doors, he stood a few steps away, clutching his backpack straps, confusion clouding his tiny face. And beside him, a woman Merlina had never seen before.
Petite, put-together, every inch the professional, her fingers curled around Cameron's hand as if she had the right.
For a heart beat, Merlina felt suspended in a trance. Her mind couldn't reconcile the image: her son, her baby, standing with a stranger.
Cameron's eyes lit up when he noticed her. "Mommy!" he called, trying to pull away. The woman's grip tightened.
"Sweetie—" Merlina started, moving toward him."Excuse me," Merlina said sharply as she went around the door, until she stood just inches away. "Who are you? Why are you touching my son?"
The woman turned, her face composed, professional, impassive, the kind of expression that gave nothing away. "Ms. Sanchez?"
"Yes," Merlina said evenly. "His mother."
