The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 93

The central heating inside the cozy room made everything feel just right, but Sandy still shivered as she stripped down. Even in her sleep, she instinctively snuggled closer to Dahlia. Despite Dahlia’s distant demeanor, she was the only mother figure Sandy had known, and deep down, Sandy leaned heavily on her.

But Dahlia didn't soften at Sandy’s touch. Holding her tightly, she whisked Sandy into the bathroom, cranked the shower to cold, and switched off the bedroom's heater. The chill quickly seeped into the room.

Dahlia watched the cold water pour into the tub, her fingers stinging from the icy touch. Sandy, feeling the chill, nestled even closer. Her teeth chattered as she murmured in her sleep, “Mommy, hold me. I’m freezing...”

For a fleeting moment, Dahlia felt a pang of tenderness. But thoughts of Evelyn in the basement snapped her back, and she lowered Sandy into the cold water.

The icy water swallowed Sandy’s small frame. Though she shivered fiercely, the medication kept her from waking. Her teeth clattered, and she mumbled, “Mommy... I am... so cold...” Dahlia stood by. Her heart hardened until Sandy’s skin turned a pale purple from the cold. Only then did she lift her out, dry her off, and tuck her back into bed.

Dahlia had raised Sandy and knew her well. It didn’t take long before Sandy was burning up with a fever. Panic-stricken, Dahlia stumbled from the room to Charles’ door, knocking urgently. Her voice was cracking, “Charles... Charles... Sandy’s burning up...”