Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 295

I heard my father's voice. "Mae, let's go stargazing tonight. I'll count the stars with you."

"Mae, be a good girl and eat your medicine, alright?"

"Mae..."

"Mom! Dad!" I cried.

I reached for them, but something pinned my hands down. Someone was calling my name. "Mae. Mae, wake up... Wake up..."

I I felt someone cup my face, and the next second, I was staring at Brandon's anxious face. His thumb brushed my cheek as he murmured, "Mae, it's me."

It was Brandon. I snapped out of the painful dream, but the hurt was even more vivid now that I was fully awake.

I bit my lower lip hard enough that I might have drawn blood if Brandon hadn't stopped me. He gently pried my lips open as he said, "Mae, don't hurt yourself. Let go... Come on, sweetheart."

was calling me by my old nickname, the way my parents had. I saw images of my parents, and I couldn't help the scream

his shoulder as I sobbed. My fists

been so full of love, yet their lives ended so abruptly and

wound in me opened up. It hurt so much that I could have keeled over, but I was helpless against it. It made me want

amid my outburst. I did not dream this time. When I awoke, it was to the warm yellow lights overhead and the man slumped over

did before darkness claimed me, and I closed my eyes in exhaustion. I was still hurting, but my emotions were in check, and I was unlikely to have another breakdown. Instead of

would not fret over me anymore. He helped me up and picked up the glass of warm water

hand trembled as it clasped

said gently but firmly as he tipped the

wiped it off. I glanced at the weary expression on his face, then at

is it?"

he answered. He added for good

parted my lips to say something, but he patted my head affectionately and asked, "Are you

reckoned he hadn't eaten anything. As such, I nodded

nodded. "All