Elena's hands continued trembling as they gently held Miles' face.
Her fingers carefully touched the bruises near his cheek and the bandage wrapped behind his head as if she was afraid even the slightest pressure might hurt him more.
"My son…"
Her voice broke midway.
"You are so hurt… seeing you like this… my heart sinks…"
Miles looked at her quietly.
Even after everything he had gone through that day, seeing tears in his mother's eyes felt heavier than every wound on his body combined.
"Mom, I was…"
Elena immediately shook her head before he could continue.
"You do not have to explain anything."
Her voice was soft but filled with pain.
"Whoever did this to you will never live happily ever again."
Tears rolled down her cheeks continuously now.
"This is the curse of a mother."
Miles smiled weakly despite the pain spreading through his ribs.
Slowly he raised his injured hand and placed it over Elena's hands resting on his cheeks.
"Mom…"
A faint chuckle escaped him.
