Chapter 7 - The Reunion
Three days later, the sun finally broke through the heavy gray clouds that had blanketed the town for a week, filling the hospital room with warm gold light. Andrew had been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit into a standard recovery room on the third floor.
Though his left arm was in a heavy cast, two ribs were broken, and bruises covered his body, his face lit up with an emotion so powerful it brought the nurses to tears when the door opened. Officer Natalie walked in pushing a wheelchair, inside of which sat Ashley, wearing a bright yellow dress and holding both Buddy and her new stuffed retriever.
"Daddy!" Ashley cried out.
"Oh, baby..." Andrew choked out, his voice cracking with intense emotion as he stretched out his good right arm.
Natalie helped Ashley step out of the wheelchair and gently climb onto the side of the hospital bed. Andrew pulled his daughter tightly against his chest, burying his face in her hair as tears streamed down his cheeks. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and her hands over and over again.
"I'm so sorry, Ashley... I'm so sorry I wasn't there..." Andrew sobbed silently, holding her as if she might disappear if he let go.
"It's okay, Daddy," Ashley whispered, wiping a tear from his face with her tiny thumb. "I knew you didn't leave. I told the police lady you promised."
"I will never leave you, sweetheart," Andrew vowed softly. "Never ever."
Natalie stood by the window, watching the two of them embrace. She felt a profound sense of peace wash over her, knowing that despite the dark storm that had threatened to destroy this family, truth and love had prevailed.
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Eric Malloy stepped into the room moments later, holding a tray of ice cream cups from the hospital cafeteria. Ashley gasped in delight, recognizing his gentle voice immediately. "You're Eric! The phone man!"
"I am, Ashley," Eric smiled warmly, handing her a vanilla cup. "And you are the bravest girl I have ever talked to."
