Chapter 4: The Scars We Carry
Dr. Reynolds arrived within twenty minutes. In the warmth of the guest suite, the children were bathed, treated for mild hypothermia, and dressed in soft cotton clothes.
Arthur sat quietly by the crackling fireplace, watching Mia sleep curled up like a kitten under a cashmere blanket. Leo sat beside her, refusing to close his eyes, watching Arthur with guarded hazel eyes.
"You don't have to stay awake, son," Arthur said gently.
"I promised Mama I'd protect Mia," Leo replied, his voice raspy. "People always take things from us when we sleep."
Arthur’s heart broke. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the faded photograph, setting it on the nightstand. "No one will ever take anything from you again, Leo. I failed your mother by letting my pride keep us apart. I won't fail you."
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Leo looked at the old man's face, recognizing the same quiet determination his mother had carried until her final breath.
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