- 3.
Ethan stopped. Maybe that plea stirred
something in him, reminded him of what we
once had.
He turned back towards us.
But Tiffany threw herself in front of him,
sobbing,
“Daddy, don’t go! You said you’d protect
Mommy and me! If you leave, those thugs will
hurt us!”
Brenda grabbed his arm, looking helpless.
“Ethan, Tiffany and I are alone in the world.
We’re counting on you to protect us…”
<
Ethan stood there, torn, like he was facing
the hardest choice of his life.
The thugs kicked me again, but I wouldn’t let
go of Paisley.
Finally, they lost it, raising the machete and
yelling,
“Fine, bitch! We were going to keep you alive
for a few days of fun! But you asked for this!”
The blade flashed. I closed my eyes, ready to
die.
But the blow never came. Ethan had stopped
the machete.
He took down the four thugs single–handed,
then helped Paisley and me to our feet.
“Are you okay, Paisley? Are you hurt?”
He brushed the dirt off my clothes, his voice
full of concern.
“I’m sorry, Chloe. I shouldn’t have hesitated.
You’re my wife. I should have put you first.”
“Chloe, I promise I won’t do this again. Can
L
you ever forgive me?”
His eyes seemed to hold genuine remorse.
But my heart was dead.
He was only saying this because he knew
Paisley and I were useful for getting to
Madison.
His heart belonged to Brenda and Tiffany. I
saw that crystal clear.
I took Paisley’s hand, keeping my distance
from him.
“It’s a little too late for all that…”
Before I could finish, a scream pierced the
air.
Thugs had surrounded Brenda and Tiffany,
waving knives and leering.
“Food’s scarce in the city. Give us your
daughter to keep us warm for a few nights!”
The sound of ugly laughter echoed around us.
I grabbed Paisley, ready to run.
But Brenda shrieked,
<
“There’s another kid over there! Take her! My
daughter is too young! Please, leave her
alone!”
Ethan’s jaw tightened. He grabbed my wrist,
his grip like a vise.
His voice was like ice, freezing the air in my
lungs.
“Give them Paisley.”
Paisley, young as she was, understood what
he meant.
Tears streamed down her face as she shook
her head, begging,
“Daddy, no! Don’t let them take me! I’m
scared of knives! Please, Daddy, don’t send
me away!”
I stared at him in horror, tears choking me.
“How can you be so cruel…? You promised
Paisley the world. Have you forgotten that?!”
He looked at me with cold contempt.
“Tiffany is in danger! This is no time for your
く
sentimentality!”
“My brother only had one daughter. I can’t let
anything happen to her! You and I… we can
always have more kids.”
He said he’d forgotten, but I hadn’t!
I remembered how he’d gone to the state
capital to use his family’s war record to get a
doctor for Paisley’s birth.
He’d waited outside all night while I was in
labor.
When he saw Paisley in my arms, he’d
squeezed my hand and whispered,
“Chloe, we finally have a family. I’ll give our
daughter everything she deserves!”
This morning, before we left the city, he’d
sold off everything we owned.
Everything except the goddamn teddy bear
he’d given Paisley when she was born.
I’d thought he still cared. But now I saw the
truth.
<
He dragged Paisley forward, shouting to the
thugs,
“This is my kid! She’s spoiled rotten! She’s
better than that one! Take her and leave the
other one alone!”
Brenda nodded eagerly, hugging Tiffany
close.
“My Tiffany was born into hardship. Take that
one instead!”
The thugs looked us over, then started
towards us.
Paisley was screaming and fighting, but I was
weak.
Ethan blocked my path, roaring at Paisley,
“Paisley! If you don’t shut up, I’ll send your
mother to them too!”
He couldn’t threaten me, so he turned on
Paisley.
I couldn’t stop crying, couldn’t believe a
father could say those words to his own
<
daughter.
Paisley went still, tears streaming down her
face as she looked at me.
“I won’t cry. Just let my mommy be safe!”
He nodded, satisfied, and handed Paisley over
to the thugs.
I tried to reach her, but my legs were still
weak from the beatings.
I collapsed, watching in horror as they
dragged her away.
Brenda and Tiffany smirked, grabbing Ethan’s
arms.
“That was so scary, Ethan! Thank God you
were here.”
“Yeah, Daddy, if it wasn’t for you, they would
have taken me!”
Ethan put his arms around Brenda and
Tiffany, his face full of love.
“As long as I’m here, nothing will ever hurt
you.”
<
Brenda gave me a look of pure contempt,
stepping on my leg as they walked away.
They were about to climb into the wagon
when a horse galloped up.
A figure on horseback rode straight towards
the thugs, swords flashed, and the thugs fell.
The rider scooped Paisley up and rode
towards me.
“Chloe, I’m so sorry I’m late.”
