The Day Our Promise Breaks

Evelyn felt utterly hopeless. As she sank into the icy water, she didn't thrash around like someone fighting to survive. Instead, she surrendered, letting herself drift downwards. The sensation of drowning was terrifying. She could feel the air in her lungs thinning, replaced by water pouring in through her mouth and nose. Her lungs burned, as if they were being torn apart, and her strength ebbed away. Evelyn knew she was on the brink of death. Her mind started to fade. Before she slipped into unconsciousness entirely, she imagined Charlie reaching out to her, just as he had over the past five years, sweet and gentle, calling her "Mom." A soft, tender smile spread across her lips. "Charlie, Mommy's coming," she whispered, letting darkness swallow her. Would death reunite her with her precious child? She ached to hold her baby again.

Meanwhile, Brooks's car was parked at the opposite end of the bridge. He'd been away on a critical business trip when he heard about Rosa's death and had rushed back immediately. It wasn't just the connection between the families that drove him; it was his concern for Evelyn. He worried about her. At the memorial, he had seen Evelyn kneeling quietly in a corner, overwhelmed by grief, tears silently streaming down her face. He understood the depth of her bond with Rosa and how her passing had shattered Evelyn. Brooks chose not to intrude, opting instead to stay nearby, offering silent support until he had to leave.noveldrama

But he couldn't truly leave. His car stayed parked by the road, waiting for Evelyn. Soon, he saw her car emerge from the Jenkins family home, driving aimlessly. He followed at a respectful distance. Her car crossed the bridge and halted by the roadside. A red light stopped him in his tracks. When it turned green, he noticed Evelyn's car hadn't moved. He sat there, quietly keeping her company from afar as time ticked by. Eventually, he couldn't stay idle any longer. He pushed the pedal and drove over.

Getting out of his car, he hurried to hers. The windows were tinted, masking the interior. As he prepared to knock, he noticed the door was slightly open. Alarmed, Brooks swung it wide, finding the car empty. Panic surged through him as he frantically searched around. "Evelyn!" he shouted, pulling out his phone to call her. The ringtone echoed from the river below the bridge, sending a chill through him. Fearing the worst, he scrambled down the slope, stumbling along the way.

Reaching the phone, he frantically scanned the area, calling out, "Evelyn, where are you?" No answer came. Suddenly, he froze, spotting bubbles surfacing in the river. A cold dread settled over him. Without hesitation, he stripped off his coat and plunged into the water with a splash. Guided by the trail of bubbles, he dived down into the shadowy depths beneath the bridge and finally saw Evelyn, unconscious. He swam to her with all his strength, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. With every ounce of effort, he kicked upwards, breaking the surface and swimming back to shore, the frigid water sapping his strength.

On land, he used every last bit of energy to lift Evelyn out of the water, dragging himself up after her. Exhausted and frozen, Brooks collapsed beside her, his legs giving way. Her face was pale and lifeless. With trembling fingers, he dialed 911, then gently patted her cheeks, desperation in his voice. "Evelyn!" he called, willing her to wake up.