"Aiden?" she called softly. No response.
She rushed to his side, placing the box down and reaching for him. "Aiden, sweetheart? It's time to go. Wake up."
Still nothing.
Her breath caught. Panic crashed in.
She shook him gently. "Aiden?"
Her hands trembled as she lowered her ear to his chest.
No heartbeat.
Hailey froze. Her mind went blank.
"Aiden, wake up now, sweetheart. Stop joking around," Hailey whispered, gently shaking his small shoulders. Her voice was light at first—half expectant, half amused. "Come on, baby. Mommy's not laughing anymore. You need to get up."
No response.
She leaned closer. His face looked too still. Pale.
Her fingers trembled as she reached for his wrist, feeling for a pulse. Nothing.
Her chest tightened.
