Lance's heart dropped the moment those words left her mouth.
"Mom—wait, no.." he said quickly, sitting up straighter, his voice softer but rushed.
"Don't say it like that. It's not your fault. You did everything you could. I'm the one who handled things rashly"
Lexi shook her head, the guilt already settling deep into her expression. She reached for his hand and squeezed it.
"I should have been there.." she said quietly. "I should have known something was wrong the moment you started avoiding my calls. I should have pushed harder. I should have.."
"Mom," Lance interrupted gently. "Please stop blaming yourself."
She fell quiet, staring at him with that same motherly ache that always made him feel six years old again. Her thumb rubbed over his knuckles absentmindedly, like she had to reassure herself he was still sitting there.
