The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles' gaze suddenly darkened, his breath completely out of sync. He raised his hand, gently covering Evelyn's lips, silencing her playful teasing. "What is it?" he asked, his voice dropping to a low, slightly impatient tone. This was unlike the old days when a call from Dahlia would have him rushing out the door.

Evelyn's eyes, misty and full of emotion, locked onto Charles. She looked at him with the same intensity she had so many times before. In his arms, she was compliant, eager to please. That look was more than Charles could handle, and his breathing quickened. Charles frowned. When he waited several seconds without hearing Dahlia's voice, he grew impatient, and ended the call abruptly. He tossed the phone aside without a second thought and leaned in to kiss Evelyn with renewed intensity. But just as their lips met, the phone rang again.

This time, Charles ignored it, continuing the kiss. The ringing persisted, cutting off only to start up again almost immediately. On the third ring, Evelyn managed to grab the phone, ready to switch it off, but Charles stopped her hand.

Breathing heavily, he took the phone from Evelyn and answered. Before he could say a word, Dahlia's frantic voice came through. "Charles... What should I do? Sandy might have been scarred by her fall in the water today. She's been having nightmares and crying for you. I can't soothe her. I want to take her to the hospital, but the rain is pouring down... What should I do?"

Her voice was panicked, seemingly

at her wit's end, but her expression was a different story-fierce and twisted. Right now, she's gripping the phone tightly with a gaze full malice. It was as if she wanted to obliterate Evelyn entirely. She he

who

on

hadn't

Evelyn to actually be

anger. Evelyn must have been keeping Charles from answering her calls on

frame shivered, and then she cried out heart-wrenchingly, "Daddy, where are you? Daddy, I

was even more frantic and helpless. "Can you come over? I

eyes faded, clarity taking its place. He hung up the

tried to pull him back, but Charles caught her hand and gently pushed it away. She fell back onto the couch, knowing she couldn't stop him.

quietly, watching

set of clothes, and