“Absolutely not.” I meant it as a lie, but the words come from my mouth like the truest thing I’ve ever said. Before I can think on that, Jeremy lunges at me in a tight hug. His arms wrap around my waist with a force that pushes me down on my butt. I can feel him sniffle against my chest. “I m-missed you, Mommy. Please don’t leave me.” “Never.” The words escape my mouth with so much conviction that it leaves me breathless. I hug him close and kiss the top of his head, taking my time to smell him. He’s like a little marshmallow, soft and beautiful. “Don’t become a ghost either,” he whimpers. “A
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