16
The sun was just beginning to pierce the horizon as Adrian carried Emma into the car, her small body pressed tightly against his chest. She was safe, unharmed, but the events of the past days left shadows on everyone's faces.
Elena slid into the passenger seat, her hand still trembling slightly as she buckled Emma in. "She's… she's really safe," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
Adrian's jaw was tight, his hands gripping the steering wheel with white-knuckled intensity. "Yes… safe. But I keep seeing him there… the way he was holding her… the cold look in his eyes…"
Elena reached over, squeezing his arm. "I know. Me too. But we did it. Together. And that's what matters."
Emma's small voice, barely above a whisper, broke through their heavy silence. "Mommy… Daddy… don't let him come back."
Adrian's chest tightened. "Never again, baby. I promise. I swear to you, no one will ever hurt you like that again."
