The Day Our Promise Breaks

Evelyn lay on the hospital bed, her face pale as a ghost.

"How's she doing, Doc?" Rosa asked, her voice thick with worry.

"She fainted from an irregular heartbeat, but thankfully, she got here in time. Any later, and it could've been fatal," the doctor replied.

The mention of "fatal" sent a shiver of anger through Rosa. Her chest heaved with emotion as she slammed her cane against the floor. "That bastard!" she spat through gritted teeth.

Charles knew Evelyn was terrified of basements, but he still locked her up for ages. He may as well have been trying to kill her!

"Madam, please, take care of yourself," Tony urged, stepping forward with concern. However, his words did little to soothe her.

It wasn't until a cold hand gently rested on Rosa's that she paused. A raspy voice called out softly, "Rosa..."

Rosa froze, then quickly clasped the hand, rubbing it gently between her palms to warm it. "Eve, I'm here. Tell me, does anything else hurt?"

Evelyn's eyes welled up slightly. She shook her head softly. "No. Grandma, I'm hungry."

to persuade Evelyn into eating something, worried that Charles'

Evelyn spoke up for herself, saying

now, get Eve something

up a small table, arranging a spread

Evelyn tried to prop herself up, a sharp pain

the middle three fingers. Memories of the basement flooded

tenderly, holding Evelyn's left hand

it doesn't hurt," Evelyn assured her with a smile as she sat

brought tears to Rosa's eyes. As she watched Evelyn, her heart ached even more. How could it not hurt?

her meal, she felt her strength slowly returning. She looked up at Rosa's sympathetic gaze

favor?"

from Tony, and Rosa's frosty voice came through loud and clear. "Charles, if you still consider me your grandma, you better

out of

of her, so you