CHAPTER 52: If That's What It Takes

TYSHA

"Don't be stubborn, Jeff. Listen to Teacher Tysha and Uncle Rue, okay? We'll be back tomorrow," Cindy instructed her son over the phone.

"Okay, Mommy," Jeff replied, a hint of sadness in his eyes, but he bravely accepted his parents' decision. I felt proud of him for being such a good boy.

After speaking to her son, Cindy decided to talk to Rue and me as well. Jeff handed me the phone, and I saw Cindy's tired eyes on the video call.

Cindy's stress was evident in the weary lines etched across her forehead, creasing her usually smooth complexion. Her eyes, usually bright and lively, now appeared tired and heavy-lidded, with dark circles forming underneath. 

There was a tense set to her jaw, and her lips were pressed together in a thin line, betraying the weight of her worries. Despite her efforts to maintain c