The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 316

As she thought back to their reunion a year ago, she couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache seeing how her daughter looked back then. She wanted to steer clear of anything that might upset Evelyn. Pushing aside her own feelings, she continued her tale.

"Charles... or as you call him, your Iceman, was even cooler than this little guy," she started. "He always had this serious look, barely spoke to anyone, and kept people at bay." Charles, in the beginning, was so defensive, pushing everyone away.

When Evelyn heard the name "Charles," she just assumed he had one of those common last names and didn’t think much of it, listening intently as her mom went on.

"But even the coldest ice can melt when it meets a little ray of sunshine like you," she smiled. "He wouldn't eat, and you kept bringing him what you thought was the best food ever."

No matter how many tantrums Charles threw or how many things he tossed aside, Eve never let it get to her. She just kept on being her warm, cheerful self around him. Her mom worried, not wanting Eve to keep putting herself out there with Charles's chilly attitude. But Eve had her own perspective, "Mom, Iceman must have gone through something really sad to be like this. His eyes are crying."

Charles hadn’t shed a tear, but Eve was convinced he was crying inside, feeling his hurt and sadness. Concerned about Charles's defensive reactions, her mom always accompanied Eve when they went to bring him food, constantly reminding her not to approach him alone.

Eve agreed, but when Charles hadn’t eaten for a whole day, she went into town the next day to find a doctor. Eve said she’d rather stay and play with the kids next door. Her mom didn’t push it, but for safety, she locked the door to Charles's room.