The Day Our Promise Breaks

Andrew's voice shook, caught somewhere between disbelief and wild relief.

Evelyn stood off to the side, glued to the monitors. When the numbers finally ticked upward, her hands clenched so hard her knuckles went white.

Another rescue, every second agonizing.

She didn't look away from the screens, not once.

She watched Charles's heartbeat finally steady-still faint, but holding on. His blood pressure stopped its terrifying drop.

He was stable now.

He was going to make it.

Evelyn exhaled, only then realizing she'd been holding her breath the whole time.

It hit her then—she hadn't breathed properly for who knows how long.

The weight of that realization pressed down on her chest.

Almost immediately, she dropped her gaze, tore her eyes from Charles's pale frame on the bed, and turned sharply toward the door.

Her steps were quick-urgent, almost desperate, as if she had to get out before she broke.

Andrew wanted to call after her, ask her to stay with Charles.

But seeing her cold, retreating figure, the words died on his lips.

He knew Charles had hurt Ms. Evelyn deeply. Some wounds didn't heal with apologies.

She'd come at all. That was already more than he could ask for.

He couldn't force her to stay.

Only when she got to Charlie's room did Evelyn feel the storm inside her settle.

for anything

and slid straight to Charlie's bedside. She searched her daughter's small face, desperate for reassurance. Charlie lay peacefully,

steady green line, its

was drained of color, making Evelyn's heart

"Charlie..."

caught between a sob and a prayer. With trembling hands, she cupped her daughter's small hand, pressing it tightly to her

like a fresh spring after a drought-pulling her

It's okay now, Charlie. Mommy's

again, as much for herself

forehead to Charlie's little hand. Finally, the tears fell—hot,

Thank God.

Her baby was safe.

...

Next door

have passed, but Andrew's nerves

Charles's body

was like a

fragile,

together. ving

Charles didn't wake, Andrew

by, thick with the smell

one knew how long it

Then-

the bed, Charles's eyelids fluttered, struggling open just

"Charles!

voice

rough with relief,

Andrew's shoulders finally

swam, everything

and he managed a

had he heard her

confusion, just hearing her had