The Day Our Promise Breaks

Charles was overwhelmed, his heart pounding in his chest. The rush of emotion was too much for his weakened body. He'd only just come to, and before he could say a single word, he slipped right back into unconsciousness.

This time, Andrew didn't panic. He watched the monitor, saw that the numbers were steady, and turned to Francis. "Charles is okay. He's just too weak right now —he needs sleep, that's all." He waved for the emergency staff to leave, wanting to give Charles the peace he needed most: rest.

...

Next door, Evelyn kept her silent vigil at Charlie's bedside. She'd heard Charles had woken up, but didn't go to see him, didn't even ask how he was doing. Her whole world was right there, in her daughter.

She sat at the edge of the bed, her gaze gentle and unwavering, drinking in the sight of Charlie's pale, fragile face. She held her daughter's hand, brushing her fingers softly through Charlie's fine hair. Every now and then, she would lean down and press a warm kiss to Charlie's cool hand, as if she could will her back to life.

Time crawled by, minute by minute. Charlie had been unconscious for hours- more than a dozen-and still showed no signs of waking. At first, Evelyn waited quietly, but as the hours dragged on, worry gnawed at her.

kept creeping in. Her mind kept replaying the past: that same pale face, years ago, being

understand how the daughter she'd watched die had somehow come back. But right now, none of that mattered. All that mattered was that Charlie was here,

won't wake up for a while," Andrew said softly. "Let me look after her. Why don't you get some rest?" He was worried-Evelyn hadn't

let Charlie out of her sight. She was beyond exhausted, but her eyes might as well have been glued to Charlie,

...

the next

hours of drifting in and out, he finally forced his heavy eyelids open. Every breath sent a jolt of pain through

lead blanket, pressing all the

his vitals. His brow stayed furrowed with worry. He'd run a thorough check while Charles slept-he was stable