When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 146

“Mom… Mommy’s hurt…” Carrie’s voice was thick with tears.

Brody rushed to Nelly’s side, calling her name softly before gently lifting her into his arms. The ambulance had already pulled up. Without thinking, he bundled Nelly close and reached for Carrie’s hand, guiding them both inside.

Police were blocking off the area outside. Hank was being taken away in handcuffs. Carrie was placed in a separate car for the ride to the hospital.

Inside the ambulance, a nurse quickly placed an oxygen mask over Nelly’s face and began tending to her wounds. Brody never let go of her hand, watching her so closely you’d think his eyes alone could keep her breathing.

He looked frantic, more tense than anyone had ever seen him. He was so focused on Nelly, he barely even seemed to remember Carrie was there too, needing comfort just as much.

“How is she?” Brody finally managed to ask the nurses, his voice rough and low.

“Her heartbeat’s fine,” said one nurse. “She’s probably just unconscious, but we’ll need to do more tests at the hospital to be sure.”

Before she could finish, Nelly’s eyelashes fluttered and she slowly woke up. Her vision went from hazy to clear, and the first person she saw was Brody.

Under the harsh white lights, Brody’s face looked even paler. His dark brows were drawn together, exhaustion written all over him.

Nelly’s head throbbed sharply. She winced. Brody’s voice came out urgent and worried. “Don’t move. Just lie down. Where does it hurt?”

“My head. It hurts,” she whispered. Honestly, her whole body ached, like her bones had come apart, but she could tell nothing was seriously wrong. She’d just banged her head and was still a bit dizzy.

“Is it really bad?” Brody asked the nurse. “Is there anything you can do to help with the pain?”

“We’ll put an ice pack on it for now. She’ll need a scan once we reach the hospital.”

The nurse grabbed an ice pack, but before she could use it, Brody reached out and took it from her.

That’s when Nelly realized how tightly Brody was holding her hand. A wave of discomfort hit her, and she gently pulled away.

“I’ll do it myself,” she said, her voice distant. The words landed like a splash of cold water. Brody froze, embarrassed, and let go.

He’d never thought much about family. He’d always kept his distance, put all his energy into doing what needed to be done, never letting feelings get in the way. That was supposed to be enough. That was his version of a perfect life.

But now, watching Nelly and Carrie, he felt a longing he’d never let himself consider. The simple happiness of a family, growing old together, sharing meals, raising kids, watching the years slip by. Once he’d thought those ideas were just stories people told themselves.

But seeing Nelly and Carrie now, it all felt real. And it made something deep in his heart start to ache for more.

Outside the hospital, Alan had gathered a group of people and was waiting at the entrance. Tina was there too.

The moment she heard Sheila had arrived at the hospital, Tina rushed over as well. She couldn’t really do anything to help, but she was frantic with worry.

It wasn’t until she heard that Carrie was safe that she finally let out a long breath of relief.

Her husband had been recuperating away from home and rarely involved himself in family matters, but if anything had happened to Carrie on her watch, he would have torn her apart.

When she saw Nelly stepping out of the ambulance with Carrie, Tina immediately rushed forward, shoved Nelly aside, and pulled Carrie into her arms.