The media was full of rumors, but Marcus focused on the children. Jamie was going to school with the help of a therapist. Hope was being cared for by the best doctors. They moved to a quiet neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle, close to safety.
On Jamie’s seventh birthday, Marcus took her to Evelyn’s grave. Jamie placed a drawing on the tombstone. Hope sat quietly in his arms.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” Marcus whispered. “But I will protect her. Always.”
As they walked, Jamie tugged on his hand.
“Papa?”
Marcus turned around.
“Thank you for turning around that day.”
At that moment, Marcus realized: his decision to pause and listen had given him a second chance he never thought possible.
