Mary ended the call and remained still,the phone resting in her palm long after the screen had gone dark.
The room was quiet,too quiet , broken only by the faint hum of the city outside the window. She stared at the screen as if it might light up again. As if the past might politely as for permission before stepping full back into her life.
Mrs Carter had broken a rule tonight.
A rule they both swore would never be broken unless everything fell apart.
Which meant... everything was falling apart.
Mary exhale slowly and place the phone on the table. Her reflection on the dark glass of the window looked unfamiliar _ older, sharper
Carrying a weight that had nothing to do with the present and everything to do with what she had once been.
She heard footsteps behind her.
" so....you're really going to do it?"
Mary didn't turn immediately. She already knew who it's was.
Christine stood near the doorway, arms crossed. Her posture tense but controlled
There was no accusation in her voice_ only concern and something deeper.... recognition.
Mary final turned," yes!"
Christine let out a breath she had clearly been holding." I was hoping you'd say no."
" I can't "
" you promised yourself," Christine said softly.
" you said that part of your life was over."
Mary's gazed lower for a moment before lifting again, steady and unshaken." I said it's was over because I chose to walk away. This time... I'm being pulled back."
Christine stepped further into the room
" because Mrs Carter called you."
Mary shook her head slowly." No"
Christine frowned," then why?"
Mary moved towards the window again, resting her hand lightly against the glass.
The city lights reflected in her eyes, distant and cold.
" Even if she hadn't called," Mary said her voice barely above the whispered." I would have done it."
Christine stiffened," why?"
Mary didn't answer immediately.
Some truth couldn't be rushed
" Because Daniel is in danger" she finally said " And because because I know what kind of people do this."
Christine study her carefully, " you still care about him that much. "
Mary's hand drifted unconsciously to her stomach.
" he's not just someone I care about " she said quietly. " he is someone tied to me for the rest of my life. "
Christine's eyes widened slightly, then softened.
" the father?" She said.
Mary nodded once ," of my child."
The word settled into the room, heavy but undeniable.
Christine didn't look shocked, she didn't gasp or step back. Instead she closed her eyes briefly as it confirming something she had known for long time.
" I know, " she said.
Silence filled the room again, thick with years of unspoken understanding.
Christine walked closer lowering her voice," you know if you get involved again, people will start looking for you. "
Mary nodded, " I'm counting on it. "
Christine blinked, " you wanted them to notice you."
." I want them to get careless. " Mary said calmly, " people make mistakes when they believe the threat is gone "
Christine's jaw tightened, " and what if they recognize you?"
Mary's lips curved into a faint. Unreadable smile. Not warmth. Not fear
" then they'll remember why I disappeared."
Christine hesitated, " and Mrs Carter.?"
" she knows enough, " Mary said. " Enough to trust me. Enough to protect what need to be protected."
Christine folded her arms again, " That woman saved you."
" she did " Mary agreed, " she save my life. And she gave me away out when I couldn't save myself. "
" so now you owe her?"
Mary shook her head," this isn't debt. This is choice."
Christine study her mother closely." And Daniel?"
Mary expression softened _ just for a moment. " Daniel doesn't know who I really am. And for now ... that safer for him."
Christine nodded slowly, " but you still doing this for him."
" yes"
" for the company. "
" for the child."
Mary placed her hand over her heart," for all of it."
Christine took a deep breath," then you won't go back there. Not yet?
" No" Mary said, " I'll work from the shadows, quietly. "
Christine look thoughtful, " I can help."
Mary turned " No."
" I didn't say I'd stop into danger, " Christine replied." I said I'd help you stay hidden."
Mary studied her daughter _ her strength her calm, her understanding.
" you already are," she said softly. " by knowing the truth and protecting it."
Christine nodded, " then promise me something. "
" what?"
" if this get too dangerous.... you walk away."
Mary didn't answer immediately.
" I promised," she finally said, " if it's put you at risk."
Christine accepted that.
Mary turned back toward the window, the city stretched endlessly before her.
Far away, a man lay in a hospital bed, surrounded by enemies he could not see.
Far away, a woman preparing to fight a battles no one would ever known she fought.
Some lives were meant to ordinary.
Some were meant to dissappear
And some...could never trutly escape what they created to do.
Mary picked up the phone again.
The past had found her.
And this time...
She will not run.