The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 192

Brooks' arm, which had been raised in a moment of concern, suddenly paused mid-air. Reality settled back in. He quietly withdrew his hand. Evelyn was lost in her thoughts while gazing out the window and didn't notice a thing.

She turned away from the window, reached into her bag for her phone, and hesitated for a moment when she saw the caller ID. After taking a deep breath to steady herself, she answered, "Hello, ma'am."

The call was from the pottery studio. The ceramic mug that Charlie had crafted before she passed was ready, and they were wondering when she might come to pick it up. "I'll head over now," Evelyn replied before ending the call.

Before she could say anything else, Brooks chimed in, "Where to? I'll drive you." Evelyn accepted his offer without a second thought and gave him the studio's address. Brooks relayed the information to the driver, who promptly turned at the next corner, steering towards the pottery studio.

...

to see you!" She glanced behind Evelyn, searching for the charming little girl who usually tagged along, but saw

about being tired or was afraid of failing. Most kids treated pottery like playing with clay. They found it fun at first but soon lost interest. Not Charlie. The owner couldn't even recall how many times Charlie had tried and failed. But after every setback, Charlie bounced back with determination. If she couldn't do it one day, she'd be back the next. And the day after that... and

wasn't in the

were short. But giving up was never on her agenda. She had said the coffee mug was a birthday gift for her dad. It took her over two months,

name was mentioned, Evelyn's heart clenched, and tears welled up in her eyes. She bit her lip, trying to swallow the lump in her throat, lowered her gaze to mask the pain, and forced a smile. "I was nearby, so I didn't pick her

Adults have their unspoken

shop owner that Charlie had passed away. The shop owner was fond of Charlie, but their brief encounter was not deep enough to share such heartbreak. Evelyn saw no need

said, blissfully unaware of the truth. Charlie had been so excited about seeing

clear wrapping, she saw the family portrait Charlie had painted on the mug. And the heartfelt note:

heart ached almost