The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 670

Charles looked at Charlie-so much thinner and more fragile than any eight-year- old should be—and his eyes grew even redder, guilt burning in his chest.

This was all his fault.

Charlie's small hands balled into tight fists.

Listening to Charles explain himself, finally admitting his mistakes, all the hurt she'd bottled up over the years rushed back. It wasn't just that he broke his promise on her fifth birthday. There was so much more...

He always favored Sandy, never believed her, always doubted her, calling her a liar, a troublemaker. He didn't believe she was sick-he'd only stay with Sandy, never with her.

The more she remembered, the more it stung.

Tears streamed down her face and soon she was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe.

Charles saw the pain in her and his own heart shattered. He pushed himself from his wheelchair onto the bed, scooping her trembling little body into his arms, aching with regret.

"Charlie, please don't cry. This is all my fault. Every bit of it. Daddy made you feel so alone."

"I know now I was wrong about everything. It was all a misunderstanding. You're not a bad kid, you never lied to me."

the world. You never hurt Sandy, it was

Sandy, couldn't tell right from wrong, and I hurt you because

those five years more than anything- the years I wasn't there for you, didn't take care

pulled Charlie back to every moment she'd ever been

quiet sobs broke into a

lifted her into his lap, fumbling to wipe away her tears,

promise, from now on, I won't let this happen again. No matter what, you and your

or your mom down again. I won't let anyone take away

“---

and your

there. Anytime you want

me, I'll drop everything and

gazed at him through her tears, eyes wide

pushed him away, crawling off his lap and putting. distance between them. Shaking her head voice trembling, she choked out

trust

he always spoiled Sandy. Sandy got whatever she wanted,

many times had Dad just gotten home, only for Sandy to call-and then

gone again, off to see Sandy in