SebastianThe hum of the engine was the only sound in the car as we crawled through traffic that refused to budge. I could feel the tension radiating off Smith even without seeing him—his foot tapped nervously on the floorboard, fingers drumming against the steering wheel like he was trying to will the cars ahead to disappear.He cleared his throat, hesitant. “Sir… it looks like we’re stuck. There’s a pretty bad jam up ahead. Might take a while.”I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window and let out a sharp breath. “Perfect,” I muttered. The timing couldn’t be worse. My nerves were already shot, and now this—trapped, helpless, and still too far from where I needed to be. I hated this feeling.Minutes dragged.I shifted in my seat, adjusting my blazer as if that would make the weight on my chest lighter. I tried to focus, tried to silence the unease crawling up my spine. Then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. The voice prompt echoed through the speaker.Incoming call from Amel
SebastianThe moment Amelia and Rose walked out, my heart felt heavier than usual, though I didn't show it. I waited a few seconds after the door clicked shut, and then I stood up with urgency, almost knocking the chair backward. I had to move quickly.My hand moved across the table, fumbling, skimming past a coaster, my keys, a half-finished bottle of water… then finally my phone. Damn it. So much for being blind. I hated how something as simple as grabbing a phone could cost precious seconds. But once it was in my hand, I didn’t hesitate.“Hey Siri,” I said, trying to keep my tone steady. “Call… the Inspector of Police.”There was a short pause. Then Siri responded, “Calling Inspector of Police.”The phone rang once… twice. Then a click.“Sir!” the voice came through, cheerful, almost too enthusiastic for the weight sitting on my chest. “Sir, is everything alright?”“Victor,” I said sharply, leaning against the table as though that might steady the quaking inside me. “I need your he
Amelia“You… you married Hawkins’ son?” my father said, his voice trembling slightly, like the words themselves pained him.My face fell. The change in his tone was so clear, it made my heart skip a beat. I stared at him, trying to read his expression. “Is something wrong, Dad?” I asked cautiously. “And yes… yes, I did marry him. Sebastian Hawkins. What’s going on?”Before he could say anything more, I instinctively turned to Rose, and I caught the look on her face. Her expression had changed completely. She looked scared… and sad. And really, a child her age shouldn’t be hearing conversations that felt so heavy and strange.I crouched beside her. “Rose, come with me,” I said gently, brushing her cheek. “Why don’t you excuse me and Grandpa for a bit, hmm?”She nodded slowly, though her eyes still carried that shadow of worry. I held her hand and led her out of the room, down the hallway until we reached one of the benches.“Sit here, baby,” I told her softly. “Stay right here. Don’t m
AmeliaI stood up quickly, nearly dropping my phone. “My dad just woke up,” I said, still half in disbelief. “Gosh… I can’t believe I haven’t visited him at all since he continued dialysis. I’m a bad daughter.”“But you’re the best mother,” Rose said with a sweet smile, her small voice full of warmth. “You’ve been here for me every day!”I smiled down at her, brushing my fingers gently through her soft hair. “I’m glad,” I whispered. Then I turned toward Sebastian, who, oddly, wasn’t even facing us. He looked like he was lost in his thoughts, his brows faintly creased.“Sebastian?” I called softly.He turned his head immediately, though his blind gaze hovered somewhere below my face. “I want to see my father,” I said quietly, moving closer. “He’s awake now. If you’re done with your work, how about we go together?”He sighed and stood slowly, dusting his trousers like he needed the motion to gather himself. “You two can leave first,” he said after a pause. “There's somewhere I need to b
AmeliaThe corridor felt too quiet. It was just me and the echo of my own pacing. Jamie had already left, saying she had something urgent at work, apologizing as she rushed off. Smith and Simon had also gone, off to handle one thing or another, and Smith did say he’d be right back, though I hadn’t seen him since. So now, it was just me. Alone. Waiting. Wondering. Anxious.I wrapped my arms around myself, chewing at my bottom lip. What could be wrong with Rose? What could have happened that she didn’t want anyone else to hear? My chest felt tight. Something wasn’t right, I could feel it. And then I heard Sebastian’s voice. Low, urgent. And then, Rose… crying. Loudly.My heart dropped.Without thinking, I ran to the door and pushed it open. “Sebastian?” I called out.There he was, kneeling right in front of Rose, his hand holding hers tightly. She was trembling, crying so hard it made my eyes sting. He kept whispering to her, gently but firmly.“Please, just talk to me,” he was saying.
SebastianThe moment I heard Rose’s soft but steady voice, I knew she was serious.“Dad, you tell everybody to leave,” she said.I didn’t hesitate. “You guys can go. All of you. I’ll get back to you all later.”I heard their movements one after the other. Simon first, Smith next. Jamie’s steps were a little more reluctant, but she followed. Then I sensed Amelia still standing, not walking away just yet. She hadn’t said a word, and I could feel her eyes on us. I may be blind, but that doesn't mean I can't sense anything.“Mommy, I’ll soon be with you,” Rose said. “I’ll let you know everything later.”Amelia didn’t respond right away, but I could hear the small movement when she nodded. A second later, the door clicked shut behind her, and I was alone with my daughter.I turned toward Rose, reaching for her hand. “Come,” I said softly.She placed her small palm in mine, and I guided her to one of the cushioned chairs. Once she was seated, I walked to the fridge and opened it carefully,