lle

lankness of oblivion. Death, in that moment, felt like a welcoming em

, wrapping her small arms around my neck. "Are you asleep? No more fighting with Daddy, oka

cing herself, building walls to protect her small heart. She had called him "Mr. P

y promises." My eyes welled up again. I picked her up, settling her gen

aking. Jeannie Santana. My best friend from college. A high-profile d

ompose myself. "Can you sit here for a moment, sweetie? Mommy n

still thick, but I tried to

s birthday! I completely forgot, I had a court case run late, and then... oh, I' m the worst friend ever!

gifts, of course." I glanced at Daisy, who was waving sh

Daisy chirped, her s

it up to you, sweetie. I sent some gifts, did you get them? And I' ll be there for

wide with excitement.

Jeannie. She was my rock, my anchor in this storm.

there. What if he tried to hurt Daisy again? What if he made a sc

, my voice thick with emotio

to numb the physical pain, but the agony in my heart remained, sharp and relentless. My poor Daisy. To

er head resting on my ch

hat moment, a fierce, unwavering vow solidified in my heart. I had limited time left. But every single second of it would be dedicated to her.

dn' t even stop at my apartment. She went straight to Daisy