— Security! — he roared, his voice echoing down the hall.
Evelyn fought like a cornered animal, kicking and biting. She managed to slip his grip and dove for the bed. Arthur tackled her, pulling her away from his son. The door burst open, and the two officers charged in.
— Drop it! Hands in the air! — one shouted.
Evelyn knew it was over. There was no escape this time. But instead of surrendering, she lunged for the scalpel on the floor. Arthur saw the look in her eyes—it wasn’t fear, it was pure, spiteful rage. He moved to intercept her, but she was faster.
Realizing she couldn’t reach the boy, she turned the blade on herself. A sharp movement, a choked gasp, and she collapsed to the floor. The officers froze, stunned by the sudden turn of events.
She slumped against the wall, looking at Arthur with that same twisted smirk, but the light in her eyes was fading fast.
— You think you won? — she wheezed. — I’ll see you… in hell.
A moment later, she was gone.
— Dad… — a small, sleepy voice broke the silence.
Arthur turned. Leo was sitting up, rubbing his eyes. He had just woken up. Arthur rushed to him, pulling him into a tight embrace, shielding him from the sight on the floor.
— It’s okay, Leo, — he whispered, tears streaming down his face. — It’s all over now. You’re safe.
The medical team arrived, but there was nothing to be done for Evelyn. She wouldn’t go to prison. She wouldn’t face a jury. But more importantly, she would never hurt another soul.
Three weeks passed. The hospital was quiet. Arthur no longer looked over his shoulder. Evelyn was a memory, a dark chapter that had finally closed.
But the scars remained. Arthur saw it in Leo’s eyes. Even weeks later, the boy would jump at a loud noise or a sudden movement. He was still looking for shadows. But now, Arthur was there. He had stepped back from his company, delegating his work to be the father he should have been all along.
Today was a big day. The city was honoring the man who had saved Leo’s life. Victor Miller, the night watchman, was receiving a Medal of Valor. The ceremony was held at City Hall, filled with cameras and local officials…
