Chapter 21 - Amora's Concerns

"Ray, I'm coming in." 

Amora knocked on her son's bedroom door, then turned the doorknob and opened it.

Rayden was sitting curled up on his bed, his face buried between his knees.

Amora sighed softly. She walked over to him, sat on the edge of the bed, and gently patted the top of his head.

"Ray, does your wound still hurt?"

Slowly, Rayden lifted his face and gave a small smile.

But Amora could see that he was forcing himself to smile. She knew the bruise on his face still hurt.

"I'm sorry I dragged you into my past, Ray," Amora said softly, her voice filled with sorrow.

Rayden shook his head. "It doesn't hurt, Mom. I'm just sleepy," he lied again.

Amora smiled faintly. She cupped his face in her hands and said, "You can lean on me and cry, Ray. I'll always be here for you."

Rayden's eyes had been welling up with tears, but he tried to stay strong so his mother wouldn't worry. He was in pain, not just in his