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Broken Promise Chapter 15
Ethan Hernandez - March, 2012I watched the woman before me crumble.Sofia was normal, or as normal as she could be considering our situation... But it was only the mention of Nick and that night that in a few seconds she started crying non-stop and rubbing her arms and hands hard compulsively, I wasn't understanding anything.I tried to get close and get her attention but her eyes were blank and she seemed too far away to hear me. She was lost... drowning in a sea of memories that I didn't know. Could someone save her?“Sofia, stop” I asked, holding her hands gently and trying to calm her down.I pulled her out of her seat and carried her away before her state drew unwanted attention.I carried her up the stairs, my initial plan was to take her to her room, but the outbreak seemed to get worse by the second and my room was closer so I pulled her into it as soon as we reached the second floor.Sofia walked in and seemed to be blindly reaching for something, tripping over her own feet.
Broken Promise Chapter 16
Sofia Adams - March 2012I was in Ethan's arms again after seven years. Seven long years without feeling that flutter in my stomach just from being close to him and smelling his scent, which remained exactly the same as before.I wasn't sure how to feel. I was happy to have him around, but something still felt off.The scent... Despite his scent being the same, he wasn't the same person, and well... neither was I.Ethan still wore the same woody perfume as always, but I got used to Nick's lemony scent, the freshness. Nick was my husband and my best friend; he was always there for me, Ethan wasn't.I pulled away from his embrace, trying to think clearly. Ethan let me go without hesitation, his gaze questioning.I wasn't sure. I sighed, tired. In addition to the sleepless night, it was hard to decipher the man he had become. I didn't want to break down the way I did yesterday, especially with him watching. But it happened, and now I could only move forward."How do you feel?" he asked a
Broken Promise Chapter 17
Sofia Adams – March, 2012I was having a great time with Mick... So much so that I didn't even notice the time passing. We were just talking and drinking. Mick knew details of my life that I had never dared to share with a stranger, but he had this aura about him. This easygoing temperament that made you trust and open up."Hm, Sofia?" Mick called out in the middle of my story about how I tripped and fell on the dance floor in Vegas the last time I was here."Yes?" I questioned, my voice sounding much more slurred than I intended. How many shots had I taken again?"I think you were supposed to meet your friend half an hour ago," he reminded me with a sheepish smile.I furrowed my brow in confusion at his words and checked the clock on the bar wall.Damn, he was right."Alright, smarty pants, I'll call her," I said.I checked my phone, and indeed, there were several missed calls and some messages from Anne wondering where I was. I made the call and waited for her to answer, which didn'
Broken Promise Chapter 18
Sofia Adams - March, 2012 I ordered another shot and then went to find Jones.He was celebrating because he made a ball in the hole, he was clearly losing, but too drunk to notice or care."I think I'll head back now, I've had enough to drink," I interrupted his celebration for a moment. Maybe I could talk to Anne."Do you think so?" he asked and then raised his hand with his index finger in front of my face. "How many fingers do you see here?""One?" I guessed, laughing."Great, you're not seeing double, can handle one more drink," he winked, trying to charm me. If I wasn't broke, I would find him wonderful for a fling. But even in that, I couldn't find an escape since I arrived in this place.Mick took me back to the counter and ordered two beers."Are you still going to find your friend?" he asked as our drinks were served."I don't know, maybe... Actually, I think she doesn't want to talk to me right now.""If she doesn't want to, are you going to lock yourself in your room then?
Broken Promise Chapter 19
Sofia Adams - March, 2012The sun was setting on the horizon of the city of sin, but it still made me sweat. I could almost feel myself getting sick.I spent the day with Mick, and hearing him talk about his sister made me think of my husband... I spent the day trying to forget, but it only took a moment of weakness for the memories to come back with full force.I wanted to say that I only remembered the blood and the countless days in the hospital, but it was worse... I remembered his perfect red hair. I remembered when he would do a clown voice to make me laugh and how he always talked to animals as if there was a real dialogue going on.Sometimes, when I was almost waking up in the morning, for a split second before opening my eyes, I could swear I heard his peaceful breathing as he slept. For a moment, everything seemed normal. But then I would open my eyes, and reality would hit me. I was alone, sleeping on the couch in our house, unable to lie in the bed we shared.That's why it
Broken Promise Chapter 20
Sofia Adams - March, 2012The shower was very beneficial for my intoxicated body and mind. The water helped clear my thoughts and washed away the layer of sweat on my body.It almost made me feel better. Almost.I came out of the bathroom wearing a hotel robe and found Ethan sitting on my bed, talking on the phone. He saw me and quickly hung up."She just finished her shower... I'll let you know if anything happens," he said before ending the call."Who was that?" I asked, as it was clear he was talking about me."Anne," he simply replied, not taking his eyes off me.I sighed. Even after everything, she still cared. I didn't deserve Anne."Is she very mad?" I asked, not recognizing the insecurity in my voice for a moment. I think I realized that I had messed up with her."I wouldn't say mad... She's upset and worried about you. I think everyone is," he replied.I silently nodded, diverting my gaze to the floor, wondering if he was part of the concerned group."Thank you for bringing me
Broken Promise Chapter 21
Ethan Hernandez - March, 2012I left Sofia's room intending to give her some space. I could imagine what she was feeling... It was the same as what I felt seven years ago when I thought that being with her was betraying my friendship with Nick. But the difference is that I never got to experience what Sofia and I had, whereas she did... She got married, and I bet all her feelings were now amplified by the memory of their time together.I grabbed my cellphone to send a message to Anne. If Sofia's problem was now with me, maybe she would listen to her best friend. I just didn't want her to be alone after seeing how upset she was when I left."Is Sofia doing okay? Can you check on her later?"I typed and sent the message while I was in the elevator heading to my floor. After a few moments, I felt the vibration of my phone in my hand."What exactly happened? Can we meet to talk? If I know her well, she'll want some time alone before seeing anyone."I read Anne's message. It was clear that
Broken Promise Chapter 22
Ethan Hernandez – March, 2012I shouldn't have left her alone."Sofia, did you do it again?" Anne asked, looking very sad.Sofia looked around, appearing confused and not quite understanding what was happening, until her gaze fell on me, and she remembered the past few seconds."You brought me here to meet him," Sofia spat, pointing at me as if it were unforgivable for Anne to have done that. "Of all people, Anne."Anne was trying to breathe calmly, and Tom stood up from the table, causing me to stand up reflexively.The people around us had stopped everything to watch the scene unfold without any subtlety. Tom walked over to Sofia and placed his hands on her shoulders."Sofia, this is not the right time for this."Sofia awkwardly pulled away from Tom, almost stumbling in the process, and I had to hold her hand to provide some balance.She looked at me angrily and let go of my hand."I don't need you, Ethan," she said, then looked at Anne. "And I don't need you, Miss Goody Two-Shoes w
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Broken Promise Epilogue
Sofia Hernandez - January, 2022I enter her room desperate not to see what I wanted. I try to contain the panic, while my logical side screams that she's only been missing for a few minutes.My cellphone beeps."I found her, she's in the tree."I exhale in relief and head straight to the garden. Up high, proudly standing, is my treehouse reminiscent of another life.I climb the stairs, which are sturdier than ever after the renovation five years ago.I hear her carefree laughter before seeing her face. "I'm sure it's not written like that, Daddy."My little girl looks at the book resting on her lap while her back is supported against Ethan's chest.- "Don't blame me, blame the book. It's right here," Ethan points to a passage on the page, laughing.Her childish face contorts into a grimace, and I know she won't stop until she gets the answer she wants."No, Daddy, that's not right. That word isn't "stinky" I know what stinky means, and it's not that," she responds, looking into his e
Broken Promise Chapter 41
Ethan Hernandez - May, 2014As I embarked on my journey around the world, I thought of Sofia every day.We kept sporadic contact through messages, just checking in on each other. Every time I receive a message from her, my heart fills with joy. She seemed to be doing well, having landed a job as a primary school teacher near her home, and most importantly, she was sober.While traveling, I meet incredible people, visit fascinating places, and delve deeper into my career as an architect. But in every new location, there's an emptiness, a void that only Sofia's presence can fill.Two years quickly pass by.I look at my latest project nearing completion. A beachfront vacation home in Lanikai.This was the last house I would work on in the renovation of the friends Mr. Miller referred me to.After that, a position as a university professor awaited me in Chicago, my hometown, where my family lived.I was eager to live near my mother and sisters again, but I'd be lying if I said that the ca
Broken Promise Chapter 40
Sofia Adams - May, 2012Entering the house where I lived with Nick feels strange because it seems like a lifetime ago that I was here, not just two months. I gather all the cleaning supplies, garbage bags, and boxes that I will need.Entering our bedroom is like being hit by a million memories all at once, including our last fight. Nevertheless, I stay strong and begin to clean. I carefully fold and store Nick's clothes that will be donated, pack away items I don't want to get rid of, and items that I know his parents would want.After everything is sorted and sealed, I start cleaning the room. I change the sheets, take out the trash, and I even find the empty box of the pregnancy test from that night. It was never a possibility, and I feel sad for the children I never had with him. But it's a sadness that I now know I can bear, and I can do it all without alcohol.I call Anne. I hear her sleepy "hello" from the other end of the line; I think I woke her up."I'm in my room," I say aft
Broken Promise Chapter 39
Sofia Adams - April, 2012Spending ten days with Ethan, fully aware of my feelings, was almost magical. Whenever his work allowed, every minute was spent together. We visited every tourist spot in the city, went back to the Ferris wheel, talked on the rooftop until dawn. It was like how we used to be. Him and me in our own little bubble, stealing kisses here and there. It almost made me want to give up everything and follow him around the world. Almost. But here I was, sitting by the fountain one last time, looking at Ethan waiting for me.April is coming to an end, and so is our deadline."Have you made up your mind?" I ask, gazing at the undisturbed water. I tap my fingers, creating small ripples.Ethan touches his fingers to mine through the water."I've thought about it a lot, and I'm going to follow your suggestion... I'm going to accept. I've talked to my family, and in a month, I'll have a week off to visit them. For now, Hong Kong is my next destination," he says, taking a dee
Broken Promise Chapter 38
Ethan Hernandez - April, 2012A long time passes without a response, and I offer another option."Or not, I can decline the offer, and we can go back to Chicago," I suggest.Sofia raises her head, and I see her eyes shimmering with unshed tears."We? Ethan, it's not your obligation to take care of me," she says, sounding slightly offended.It wasn't my intention to offend her with this conversation. We slowly resume walking aimlessly."I know that, I just want to," I say nonchalantly. I can't make a big deal out of it, or Sofia will run away.Sofia sighs."But I don't want that, and I don't think it's what I need right now," she firmly responds.Suddenly, I feel guilty. It seems like this conversation isn't going as I planned."But..." Before I can argue, she interrupts me."Look, Ethan, I appreciate the invitation. I really do, but I need to decline while you need to accept this offer," she says.I look at her confused; if I accept, the chances of us seeing each other will be almost
Broken Promise Chapter 37
Ethan Hernandez - April, 2012Mr. Miller sent me another message asking if I accepted the offer.I send the following reply:"I'm still thinking, Sir. I promise to have an answer by May 1st."My phone immediately beeps."It will be two years traveling the world, Hernandez. You're young, you can make the most of this personal and professional experience. If it makes you more comfortable, I'm sure the costs of an additional traveler can be covered. Maybe that pretty friend of yours could go with you? ;)"I laugh at the message. Who would have thought my boss would play cupid. It's not the first time he suggests it; he's very generous.It would be a lie if I said that whenever the subject comes up, I don't stop to think. And to have a little hope.If Sofia were to come with me, traveling around and exploring places. Just the two of us enjoying our lives. It would be a dream.Before my mind wanders too much, I pull myself back to reality.Sofia is still slowly overcoming Nick's death. Sof
Broken Promise Chapter 36
Sofia Adams - April, 2012I leave the meeting room with Kate in tow and find Ethan outside. For a moment, I forgot about our dinner."What's wrong?" he asks, already sensing that something isn't right."Jones didn't come. He's not responding or answering, and we think he's in a bad state," I reply, without mentioning his sister's possible birthday. It's not my story to tell."Where do you think he could be?" Kate asks."We could check his nightclub..." I reply uncertainly. Those environments were always challenging for a recovering alcoholic. There's plenty of alcohol available and reminders of the old life.Kate sighs, understanding my dilemma."I can go in there and look for him," Ethan suggests, seeing our distress.We breathe a sigh of relief."Yes!" Kate exclaims, already heading towards the exit.We arrive at the nightclub and wait outside while Ethan goes in.Some people are outside with their bottles in hand, chatting and having fun."Do you miss it?" I ask. Sometimes, I feel
Broken Promise Chapter 35
Sofia Adams - April, 2012I stare at Anne, unable to believe what she's saying."I'm just saying she's changed. Maggie isn't the horrible teenager she used to be," she defends."Whatever, I'm just grateful she doesn't live here with her parents. I don't need to see her, and she doesn't need to see me. Everyone's happy," I respond, annoyed."Is this about Ethan?" Anne asks, adjusting herself on the bed in the room where she's staying at Tom's aunt and uncle's house."What? Of course not," I reply, avoiding eye contact and twisting the sheets on the bed with my fingers. "I've already gotten over that silly relationship they had. I've forgotten about it, and she was his first, that's all in the past.""I can see that," Anne responds, smiling at me.I caress her protruding belly."So, have you found out what it is yet?" I ask, changing the subject.Anne looks thoughtful."Well, unless I give birth to a pumpkin, I believe it's a baby," Anne responds seriously.I laugh at her terrible joke.
Broken Promise Chapter 34
Sofia Adams - April 2012We walk through the streets of Las Vegas."Is the fourth step still keeping you up at night?" Ethan brings up our conversation again."I just don't understand what there is to evaluate. I did bad things, got it, next step," I say exasperatedly.Ethan laughs."I don't think it's that simple, Sofia..." We stop at a familiar park since we've come here a few times to talk."Tell me the complete step," Ethan requests, sitting on one of the plastic benches. I sit beside him."The fourth step: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. We were given instincts for a reason," I repeat.Ethan gazes into the horizon."Since these meetings started, I've been researching about it. The fourth step seems to be one of the hardest, and seeing you, I understand the difficulty. I think your main obstacle is not understanding why it's so important," Ethan says. I don't know how to feel when I hear that Ethan researched the twelve steps for me. It's confusing."Th
