The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles felt a lump form in his throat. His thin lips quivered as he spoke in a raspy voice, "I'm sorry."

He hadn't realized that something as seemingly trivial as a trip to the amusement park could mean so much to Charlie.

Evelyn heard the hoarseness and genuine regret in Charles' voice and shut her eyes tightly. After a moment, she opened them, slowly turned her head, and glared at Charles, her eyes red and swollen from crying. His eyes looked a bit red, too. She said with emphasis, "Sorry? Charles, your apologies are worthless!"

Charles watched Evelyn, who was on the brink of breaking down. He remembered how Evelyn had pleaded with him for this chance, even going so far as to beg on her knees.

Initially, he had no time to spare. Sandy was scheduled for surgery, and she was terrified. He had promised Sandy he would be by her side until it was over.

When Evelyn first brought it up, he flat-out refused, but he hadn't expected Evelyn to be so desperate. In the end, he agreed, but he broke his promise anyway.

"I was wrong, and I'll make it up to Charlie." Charles' voice softened.

was the first time he'd spoken to Evelyn in such a

didn't let up immediately but pressed further, "Make it up to me? How do you plan on making it up to me? Do you realize how long Charlie waited for you at the amusement park that day? From

could she handle that temperature? She stood there, stubbornly waiting

"And where were you?"

words were meant to deepen Charles' guilt, but as she spoke,

was pulled

Charlie standing in the amusement park, staring longingly

and he pushed down the discomfort in his chest, promising in a hushed voice, "Bring Charlie back home, and

the amusement park-anything she wants. If

a flicker of remorse and

Charlie's drawings, and her heart ached for her daughter. It felt

arrival but