(Check out my channel: Egg&Bacon use the channel only filter) The air was cold as the first light of dawn crept over the empty street. Maria stood, trembling, clutching the edges of the cardboard box. Inside, her son Kyle gazed up at her, his wide eyes full of trust. He gurgled softly, reaching for her face, unaware of what was coming.

"I'm so sorry, Kyle," she whispered, tears in her eyes as she brushed his cheek. "Mommy loves you… more than anything. Please understand."

Her hands shook as she adjusted the thin blanket around him. For a moment, she wanted to pick him up, hold him close one last time, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to let him go again.

Kyle babbled, kicking his legs as if playing a game, his smile wide and bright. "Mama," he cooed.

Maria bit her lip, forcing a smile through the tears. "Shh… it’s going to be okay," she murmured. "You’ll be safe, I promise."

Her voice cracked, and she turned, forcing herself to walk away, each step feeling like it was tearing her apart. Kyle’s face twisted in confusion, his tiny hands reaching out for her.

Then came the first cry—a small, frightened wail that grew louder, more desperate with every step she took. Maria’s heart shattered, every fiber of her being screaming to run back, to hold him, but she kept moving, her tears blinding her as Kyle's cries filled the air behind her, growing fainter with each step.