Ezra turned quickly to look at his sister, his brows raised in surprise.
Zara slowly lowered her arm. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out.
Ethan's eyes lit with excitement, but he quickly masked it. There was still time to play his long-term game.
"Ella, you can't say that to your mom. That's rude," he scolded half-heartedly.
Ella burst into tears.
Zara turned away, her heart breaking, guilt crashing over her like a wave. "No, it's okay. She's just shaken. They were scared, and I wasn't there when they needed me."
Ezra's small hand wrapped around hers, holding it gently. "Mommy, I love you."
Zara couldn't stop the single tear that trickled down her cheek. She squatted and hugged Ezra tightly.
"Thank you, sweetheart," she whispered, barely holding back the pain in her voice.
Ezra cupped her cheeks in his tiny hands, wiping off her tears. "Don't cry. I said I love you. And Ella loves you too."
