Echoes of a Broken Vow

ly for work the

nt Ellen planned to pick her up the following afternoon. Wit

se, absent for three years, her

the door, full of questions and warmth

heir belongings into a cardboard box. Th

down her face

eak to protect the last memorie

d sold the house at a low price. She re

one final look at the place where she g

stepped outside, only to co

at the hospital and g

d? Your phone's off. Do you know how worried I was?" h

hing happened to you," he added, his voice breaking as he pulled h

evious night's scene with him and

h disgust. "I'm fine, aren't I? I didn't

rst time, he saw impatie

tly and comfort him. Why was

t to come here. It's okay. How about I take you for something tasty?" he

for your birthday tomorrow? That necklace I promised? I had someone get it. I

grip like needles

already put that necklace on Ella'

voice distant. "I don't want

n before her killed her appetite. E

Joshua said, momentarily stunned by her rejecti

he was confident. A little coaxing, and she'd fa

s. Suddenly, she wanted to know

e transplant and die, woul

blow, his heart aching inexpl

u'll recover. Don't say such things," he said, his v

once avoided such topics, not wan

measures, like secretly returnin

new it was

iver himself, she wouldn't f