Monica's POV
Adrift in uncertainty, I couldn't focus on anything. Natalie had insisted on taking Austin to daycare this morning, while her mother Kayla adamantly refused to leave me alone today. I was grateful for Kayla's company—her wisdom and reassurance that "even the darkest storms eventually pass" provided some comfort during this chaos.
Before heading out, Natalie had instructed me to relax and not worry about anything, promising she'd speak with her father later to figure out our next steps. But I couldn't shake the discomfort of imposing on the Carson family's generosity any longer than necessary.
"These stuffed peppers were my grandmother's recipe," Kayla mentioned as we shared lunch. She regaled me with stories of her children and grandchildren, all living too far from Paradise Port for regular visits. "That's why having little Austin around brings me such joy," she confessed, her eyes twinkling. "Having a child's laughter filling these rooms again is a blessing."
