The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 664

Her eyes wandered, unfocused, lingering on the ceiling for a moment.

Then, as if pulled by some invisible thread, her gaze drifted slowly to the side.

The first thing she saw was Evelyn, sitting at the edge of the bed-exhausted, worn down, but with hope shining bright in her eyes.

Their eyes met.

In an instant, tears spilled over in Evelyn's eyes, blurring everything.

She bit down hard on her lower lip, fighting not to sob out loud. Her hand trembled as she reached out, wanting to touch, but too afraid to break the fragile moment.

"Mom... Mom?"

Charlie's voice, weak but unmistakably clear, escaped her parched lips. It was soaked in doubt and raw emotion, as if she herself couldn't believe it.

Just those two syllables swept away every shadow and hurt in Evelyn's heart.

"Charlie! My Charlie!"

Evelyn couldn't hold back anymore. She rushed to the bed, hands shaking as she cradled her daughter's face, tears streaming down. "It's me, darling! Mommy's here! I'm right here!"

Her voice trembled, overflowing with wild relief and the terror of almost losing her.

Charlie gazed at Evelyn's familiar face—suddenly, all the memories she'd been forced to forget came rushing back.

Her mother's gentle touch.

Her mother's warm embrace.

Every little bit of care and love and comfort she'd ever known.

"Mommy!"

she threw herself into Evelyn's arms, wrapping her little arms tightly around her mother's neck, sobbing so hard it hurt. "Mommy, I missed you much! I was so scared! I

again!"

if she could pour out every ounce of

and healed all at once with each

warmth and trust in

damp forehead and soft hair, whispering over and over, “I'm here! I'm not going anywhere! Mommy will always be here! My baby, my

away, Charles watched the two of them, mother and daughter locked in each

the love and

was happy for them,

was in his

He was anxious. Afraid.

had her

would remember how

frozen, heavy

say something, but

presence was impossible

Evelyn's neck, soothed

finally

could feel Charles'

s

on

lifted her head and

She saw Charles.

red from crying, widened in

was making sure he

a split second, her heart jumped her eyes

the tip of her tongue-until

like that, the light in her

memory flashed across her mind: her fifth birthday.