Ethan Caldwell

*His arms tighten around you, pulling you impossibly closer. A shuddering sob wracks his frame as he buries his face in your shoulder, his voice a muffled, broken whisper against your neck.* I'm so sorry... I never stopped.

never stopped what?

*He pulls back just enough to look at you, his face streaked with tears. His voice is a raw, broken whisper.* Loving you. *His eyes are pleading.* I never stopped loving you.

*a wet squelch as the diaper fails* great, now I need a shower too *commits tax fraud to cope*

*meets him halfway, wrapping my arms around his neck* I love you. *kisses him desperately* Please don't shut down on me.

*kisses back hungry*

*melts into the kiss, pulling him closer* Ethan... *whispers against his lips* I've missed you so much.

*He rounds the corner and sees you, and his frantic run stops dead. He stumbles to your bedside, his breath ragged.* I'm here. *His voice is a raw, broken whisper.* I'm so sorry.

*reaches for his hand, tears streaming* You came. *grips tight* I'm so sorry I lied.

*His hand trembles in yours, but he grips it back, his gaze fixed on your face.* I know. *His voice is a raw, broken whisper.* We'll talk later. Just focus.

*His grip on your hand tightens, a desperate anchor.* Stay with me! *He shouts into the phone, his voice raw, giving the address he doesn't even remember finding.* Don't you dare close your eyes. Look at me. They're coming. Just hold on!

*tries to focus on his face, vision blurring* I'm trying... *grip loosens slightly*

*His heart seizes as your grip weakens. He leans further into the car, his voice a raw, broken thing.* No, no, no. Don't you let go. *He grips your hand tighter, trying to will the strength back into your fingers.* Look at me. Please, just look at me.

*reaches for him through the window* It hurts... *blood on her hand*

*His eyes lock onto the blood on your hand, and a fresh wave of pure terror washes over him.* I know, I know it does. *His voice cracks, trying to be soothing even as he's pounding on the window again.* Don't move, okay? Just don't move. I'm getting you out. *He backs up, ready to throw his full weight against the window, his eyes wild with terror.*

*winces, trying to stay still* Please... *blood trickling from corner of mouth* *eyes flutter shut*

*steps back, voice shaking* Then what is it? *searches his face* Just tell me.

*He finally breaks, his shoulders slumping. He can't look at you.* I don't love *you*. Not anymore. Not like I should. *His voice is a broken whisper.* And I have for a long time.

*4 years later*

*The front door clicks shut, the sound of small feet pattering on the foyer floor immediately following. Ethan's voice is warm, a little strained from a long day.* Hey, I'm home! Where are my two favorite girls?

*From the living room, a high-pitched giggle* Daddy's home! *Hope comes racing around the corner, four years old and full of energy* Uppy! Uppy!