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.

first time he'd spoken to Evelyn in such

it up to me? Do you realize how long Charlie waited for you

She stood there, stubbornly waiting for you in the biting

"And where were you?"

meant to deepen Charles' guilt, but as

was pulled

almost envision Charlie standing in the amusement park, staring longingly

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

she wants. If I can make it happen,

Charles. In that moment, she saw a flicker of remorse and regret in his eyes for their

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

heard his arrival