Holding Evelyn''s cold hand, Charles looked up at her, his heart aching in ways he couldn''t put into words.


    "Eve..."


    Evelyn jerked her hand away, ring down at him, her eyes burning with anger.


    "I''m sorry."


    Charles''s own eyes were rimmed red.


    He knew all too well how much Charlie''s rejection cut into Eve-how deep that pain went.


    Evelyn pressed her lips together, her eyes welling up with unshed tears.


    Charles wanted to say something tofort her, but before he could, a small figure on the bed began to toss and turn, her sleep disturbed by another nightmare. Soft, panicked sobs filled the room. "Daddy... Daddy..."


    That was Luna''s handiwork-she''d nted the idea in Charlie''s mind to keep Charles away from Evelyn, using his guilt to pull him back to the house.


    Every time Charlie fell asleep, the nightmares came.


    Her tiny hands reached out into the empty air, as if searching for something-or someone to anchor her.


    "Charlie, it''s okay. Daddy''s here. I''m right here."


    Charles answered her instantly, his voice gentle and steady.


    Evelyn''s heart ached for her daughter. Seeing Charlie so frightened made her want to rush to her side, but she remembered how Charlie had pushed her away before. She stopped herself, standing frozen in ce.


    Charles noticed.


    He stopped pushing the wheelchair, turning to Evelyn with concern. He squeezed her hand a little tighter. "It''s okay. She''s still asleep."


    Evelyn couldn''t resist the chance to be near Charlie.


    Almost without thinking, she let Charles guide her to the bedside, her steps a little unsteady.


    "Daddy..."


    Charlie whimpered, still lost in her dream.


    Charles pulled Evelyn closer, reaching out his big hand to gently catch Charlie''s iling fingers. "Charlie, Daddy''s here. Don''t be scared."


    Still asleep, Charlie seemed to calm at Charles''s voice, snuggling closer and grabbing hold of his shirt like it was a lifeline.


    Charles soothed her with a gentle pat on the back.


    Evelyn stood beside him, her heart breaking with longing, but too afraid to touch her daughter.


    With Charles there, Charlie gradually settled down.


    He looked from his daughter''s peaceful face to Evelyn, whose eyes never left Charlie, her whole world bnced on the edge of that small bed. Softly, he said, "Eve, why don''t you stay tonight? Be here with Charlie."  s?novel


    Evelyn couldn''t say no.


    This was her Charlie-the daughter she''d lost and somehow found again.


    She couldn''t turn down even a moment by her side, even knowing that when morning came, Charlie might push her away all over again.


    Evelyn watched Charlie''s sleeping face, unable to look away. Carefully, shey down on the other side of the bed, making sure not to touch Charlie, afraid of waking her.


    Lying there, she memorized every detail, listening to the soft, steady breathing


    that told her Charlie was really there.


    Tears slipped down her cheeks, soaking into the pillow in silence.


    Neither Evelyn nor Charles slept that night.


    They just kept watch over Charlie together.


    By morning, Evelyn didn''t want to leave, but she slipped quietly out of the room before Charlie woke up.


    When Charlie opened her eyes, the first thing she asked was, "Daddy, where''s Mommy? I want Mommy."


    Charles knew the "Mommy" she meant was Luna, not Eve.


    "Charlie, how about some breakfast first?"


    He dodged the question, offering a gentle distraction.


    Charlie nodded, always used to listening to her dad.


    Evelyn had made breakfast herself.


    Francis''s people brought it in for


    Charlie a spread of her childhomet


    favorites: fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and a ss of fresh juice.


    swange


    As Charlie ate, Charles and Evelyn waited outside, both of them holding their


    breath, hearts pounding with hope and worry.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!