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- Herausgeber: RWG Publishing
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
Emma Carter’s life is a tapestry of secrets, guilt, and the relentless pursuit of redemption. After fleeing an abusive home as a teenager, Emma’s past catches up with her in the form of threatening letters, unraveling the fragile peace she has built. As she navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and personal healing, Emma discovers the strength within herself to confront her past and forge a new path forward. With the unwavering support of her loved ones, Emma embarks on a journey of forgiveness, resilience, and hope. “The Weight of Guilt” is a poignant tale of overcoming adversity, finding inner strength, and the transformative power of love and community.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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The Weight of Guilt
The Weight of Guilt
Declan Hunter
Contents
Copyright © 2024 by Declan Hunter
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
First Printing, 2024
Declan Hunter
The Weight of Guilt
1
Introduction
Emma Carter stood at the edge of the bustling city park, her eyes fixed on the playground where children laughed and played without a care in the world. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves and distant memories, stirring a sense of nostalgia within her. Yet, beneath the surface, a heavy weight pressed down on her heart—a weight she had carried for far too long.
It had been six months since the accident, but the events of that fateful day were etched into her mind with painful clarity. The screech of tires, the sickening thud, and the haunting silence that followed. Tommy’s innocent face flashed before her eyes, a constant reminder of the life that had been tragically cut short. Emma’s involvement had been indirect, but the guilt gnawed at her soul, refusing to let go.
As a successful lawyer, Emma was accustomed to dealing with the complexities of the law, but nothing had prepared her for the emotional turmoil that now consumed her. Her once vibrant life had become a shadow of its former self, her relationships strained and her nights plagued by relentless nightmares. She had built her career on uncovering the truth, yet now she found herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies.
The anonymous letter she had received a week ago only added to her torment. Someone knew about her past—about the dark secret she had buried deep within her. The letter hinted at knowledge that could unravel her carefully constructed life, and Emma knew she had to uncover the truth before it destroyed her completely.
Taking a deep breath, Emma turned away from the playground and began to walk. Each step felt heavy, as if the weight of her guilt was physically holding her back. But she knew she couldn’t run from her past forever. It was time to confront her demons, to seek redemption, and to find a way to forgive herself.
As she made her way through the city streets, Emma resolved to uncover the identity of the person behind the letters. She would reconnect with old friends, confront her estranged sister, and delve into the painful memories she had long tried to forget. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but Emma was determined to find the truth and, ultimately, the peace she so desperately craved.
Little did she know, the path to redemption would lead her to unexpected places and force her to confront not only her own guilt but also the secrets and struggles of those around her. In the end, Emma would discover that redemption was not just about seeking forgiveness from others, but about finding the strength to forgive herself.
And so, with a heart heavy with guilt but a glimmer of hope, Emma Carter embarked on a journey of secrets and redemption—a journey that would change her life forever.
Declan Hunter
The Weight of Guilt
2
Chapter 1: The Incident
Morning Routine
The soft hum of the alarm clock broke the silence of the early morning, its gentle chime coaxing Emma Carter from the depths of sleep. She reached out, silencing the persistent noise with a practiced swipe, and lay still for a moment, savoring the quiet before the day began. The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room.
Emma slipped out of bed, careful not to wake David, who was still lost in his dreams. She moved through their spacious bedroom with the ease of routine, pulling on her robe and heading downstairs. The house was still, the only sound the faint ticking of the kitchen clock as she set about making breakfast.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the scent of sizzling bacon. Emma moved with efficiency, her mind already ticking through the day’s agenda. Court at ten, a meeting with a new client at two, and a mountain of paperwork in between. She poured herself a cup of coffee, savoring the first sip as she leaned against the counter, allowing herself a rare moment of stillness.
“Morning, Mom,” came a sleepy voice from the doorway. Emma turned to see her teenage daughter, Sophie, shuffling into the kitchen, her hair a tangled mess.
“Morning, sweetheart,” Emma replied with a smile. “Breakfast is almost ready. How did you sleep?”
Sophie shrugged, plopping down at the table. “Okay, I guess. I have a math test today.”
“You’ll do great,” Emma assured her, placing a plate of bacon and eggs in front of her. “Just remember to take your time and read each question carefully.”
David appeared in the doorway, his hair tousled and his eyes still heavy with sleep. He gave Emma a tired smile as he poured himself a cup of coffee. “Morning,” he mumbled, taking a seat next to Sophie.
“Morning,” Emma replied, her smile faltering slightly as she caught the tension in his eyes. They had argued the night before, a rare but increasingly frequent occurrence. She pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand.
“Do you have a busy day today?” David asked, breaking the silence.
“Yes, court this morning and a new client this afternoon,” Emma replied, her tone brisk. “What about you?”
“Just the usual,” David said, his voice trailing off as he sipped his coffee.
The conversation lapsed into silence, the only sound the clinking of cutlery against plates. Emma glanced at the clock, noting the time. “I need to get going,” she said, rising from her seat. “Sophie, don’t forget your lunch. David, I’ll see you tonight.”
She kissed Sophie on the forehead and gave David a quick peck on the cheek before grabbing her briefcase and heading for the door. As she stepped outside, the crisp autumn air greeted her, a stark contrast to the warmth of the kitchen. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead.
Emma climbed into her car, the leather seats cool against her skin. She started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, her mind already shifting to the tasks that awaited her. The morning routine had been a brief respite, a moment of normalcy before the chaos of the day. Little did she know, it would be the last moment of peace she would have for a long time.
The Drive
Emma navigated her car through the familiar streets of the city, the morning sun casting long shadows across the pavement. The radio played softly in the background, a soothing counterpoint to the rush of traffic around her. She glanced at the clock on the dashboard—8:15 AM. Plenty of time to get to the office and prepare for her court appearance.
Her phone buzzed in the cup holder, and she reached for it, glancing at the screen. It was a text message from David: We need to talk tonight. Important. Emma’s heart sank. The argument from the previous night still lingered in her mind, a cloud of unresolved tension. She sighed, placing the phone back down and gripping the steering wheel a little tighter.
The streets were busy with the usual morning rush, cars honking and pedestrians hurrying along the sidewalks. Emma’s thoughts drifted to the case she was handling—a high-profile corporate lawsuit that demanded her full attention. She mentally reviewed her notes, going over the key points she needed to address in court.
Her phone buzzed again, this time a call from her assistant, Rachel. Emma pressed the Bluetooth button on the steering wheel to answer. “Good morning, Rachel.”
“Good morning, Emma. Just a quick update on today’s schedule. Your meeting with the new client has been moved to 3 PM, and Mr. Thompson wants to go over the deposition notes before court.”
“Thanks, Rachel. I’ll be in the office in about twenty minutes. Can you have the files ready for me?”
“Of course. See you soon.”
Emma ended the call, her mind already shifting to the tasks ahead. She turned onto a busy boulevard, the traffic slowing to a crawl. She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, her eyes scanning the road ahead. A billboard advertising a new luxury apartment complex caught her eye, a stark reminder of the life she and David had once dreamed of building together.
As she inched forward, her phone buzzed again with another text message. This time, it was from Sophie: Forgot my lunch. Can you bring it to school? Emma sighed, a pang of guilt tugging at her. She had been so preoccupied with her own worries that she had overlooked her daughter’s needs.
She picked up the phone to reply, her eyes flicking between the screen and the road. I’ll drop it off after my meeting. Love you. She hit send and placed the phone back in the cup holder, her attention returning to the traffic.
The light ahead turned green, and Emma accelerated, merging into the flow of cars. She was almost at the intersection when her phone buzzed again. She glanced down, just for a second, to see another message from David: We really need to talk.
In that brief moment of distraction, everything changed. A flash of movement caught her eye—a young boy darting into the street, chasing after a ball. Emma’s heart leaped into her throat as she slammed on the brakes, the tires screeching in protest. The world seemed to slow down, the sounds around her fading into a dull roar.
But it was too late. The sickening thud of impact echoed in her ears, and the boy crumpled to the ground. Emma’s breath caught in her chest, her hands trembling on the steering wheel. She stared in horror at the scene before her, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Bystanders rushed to the boy’s side, their voices a cacophony of panic and urgency. Emma’s vision blurred with tears as she fumbled to unbuckle her seatbelt and get out of the car. Her legs felt like lead as she stumbled towards the boy, her heart pounding in her chest.
“Someone call an ambulance!” a woman shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. Emma dropped to her knees beside the boy, her hands hovering helplessly over his still form. His face was pale, his eyes closed, and a trickle of blood ran from his forehead.
“I’m so sorry,” Emma whispered, her voice breaking. “I’m so, so sorry.”
The sound of sirens grew louder, and Emma felt a hand on her shoulder, pulling her back. She looked up to see a paramedic, his face calm and focused. “Ma’am, we need you to step back,” he said gently.
Emma nodded numbly, her body moving on autopilot as she stood and backed away. She watched in a daze as the paramedics worked quickly, lifting the boy onto a stretcher and rushing him to the waiting ambulance. The doors slammed shut, and the sirens wailed as the ambulance sped away.
Emma stood there, rooted to the spot, her mind reeling. The weight of what had just happened pressed down on her, suffocating and relentless. She had been distracted, just for a moment, but that moment had changed everything.
The Accident
Emma’s heart pounded in her chest as she stared at the boy lying motionless on the asphalt. The world around her seemed to blur, the sounds of the city fading into a distant hum. She could barely breathe, her mind struggling to process the horror of what had just happened.
People began to gather, their faces a mix of shock and concern. A woman knelt beside the boy, checking for a pulse, while others pulled out their phones to call for help. Emma’s legs felt like they were made of lead as she stumbled out of her car, her hands trembling uncontrollably.
“Is he okay?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. The woman looked up at her, her expression grim.
“He’s breathing, but we need an ambulance,” she said, her tone urgent. “Does anyone know this boy?”
A man stepped forward, his face pale. “That’s Tommy. He lives down the street. I’ll call his parents.”
Emma’s stomach churned as she watched the man dial a number on his phone. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see a police officer, his expression serious but calm.
“Ma’am, I need you to step back and tell me what happened,” he said gently. Emma nodded, her throat tight with fear and guilt.
“I… I was driving, and he just ran out into the street,” she stammered. “I tried to stop, but it all happened so fast.”
The officer nodded, taking notes on a small pad. “Were you distracted by anything? Your phone, perhaps?”
Emma’s heart sank. She had been distracted, just for a moment, but that moment had changed everything. “I… I looked at my phone for a second,” she admitted, her voice shaking. “I didn’t see him until it was too late.”
The officer’s expression softened slightly. “Thank you for your honesty. We’ll need to take your statement in more detail later, but right now, let’s focus on getting the boy the help he needs.”
The sound of sirens grew louder, and Emma turned to see an ambulance weaving through the traffic, its lights flashing. Relief and dread washed over her in equal measure as the paramedics arrived and quickly assessed the situation.
“He’s got a pulse, but it’s weak,” one of the paramedics said as they carefully lifted Tommy onto a stretcher. “We need to get him to the hospital, now.”
Emma watched, helpless, as they loaded Tommy into the ambulance. She felt a hand slip into hers and looked down to see David standing beside her, his face etched with worry.
“Emma, are you okay?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “No, I’m not. This is all my fault.”
David pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms offering a small measure of comfort. “It was an accident, Emma. You didn’t mean for this to happen.”
“But I was distracted,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “If I hadn’t looked at my phone…”
David held her tighter, his voice firm but gentle. “We can’t change what happened. Right now, we need to focus on Tommy and hope he pulls through.”
The ambulance doors slammed shut, and the sirens wailed as it sped away. Emma watched it disappear down the street, her heart heavy with guilt and fear. She knew that her life had changed in an instant, and the weight of that realization threatened to crush her.
The officer approached them again, his expression sympathetic. “Ma’am, we’ll need you to come down to the station to give a full statement. But first, I suggest you go to the hospital and get checked out. You might be in shock.”
Emma nodded numbly, allowing David to guide her back to their car. As they drove to the hospital, the events of the morning replayed in her mind, each detail sharper and more painful than the last. She had always prided herself on being in control, but now, she felt like her world was unraveling, and she didn’t know how to stop it.
The hospital loomed ahead, a stark reminder of the reality she now faced. Emma took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She knew that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey, one that would test her in ways she had never imagined. But she also knew that she had to face it, for Tommy’s sake and for her own.
The Hospital
The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air as Emma and David walked into the hospital emergency room. The bright fluorescent lights and the constant beeping of monitors created an atmosphere of urgency and tension. Emma’s heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing the fear and guilt that consumed her.
A nurse at the reception desk looked up as they approached. “Can I help you?” she asked, her tone professional but kind.
“We’re here about a boy who was brought in from an accident,” David said, his voice steady. “His name is Tommy.”
The nurse’s expression softened. “He’s in the trauma unit. I’ll take you to the waiting area. A doctor will be out to speak with you shortly.”
Emma nodded, her throat too tight to speak. She followed the nurse down a long corridor, her mind racing with worry. The walls were lined with posters about health and safety, but Emma barely noticed them. All she could think about was Tommy and the accident that had brought them here.
The waiting area was small and crowded, filled with anxious families and the occasional sound of quiet sobbing. Emma and David found seats in a corner, and Emma sank into the chair, feeling utterly drained. She stared at the floor, her thoughts a chaotic jumble of fear, guilt, and regret.
David reached over and took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “We’ll get through this, Emma,” he said softly. “No matter what happens, we’ll get through it together.”
Emma nodded, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was falling apart. She had always been the strong one, the one who held everything together. But now, she felt like she was unraveling, and she didn’t know how to stop it.
Minutes felt like hours as they waited for news. Emma’s mind kept replaying the accident, each detail sharper and more painful than the last. She had been distracted, just for a moment, but that moment had changed everything. She couldn’t stop thinking about Tommy, about his family, and about the life that had been irrevocably altered because of her.
Finally, a doctor in scrubs approached them, his expression serious but compassionate. “Mr. and Mrs. Carter?” he asked, looking between them.
“Yes,” David replied, standing up. Emma followed suit, her heart in her throat.
“I’m Dr. Patel. I’m the attending physician for Tommy,” he said. “He’s stable for now, but his condition is critical. We’ve done everything we can, but the next 24 hours will be crucial.”
Emma felt a wave of nausea wash over her. “Can we see him?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Dr. Patel nodded. “You can, but only for a few minutes. He’s in the ICU, and we need to keep him as calm and comfortable as possible.”
Emma and David followed the doctor through another set of doors and down a quiet hallway. The ICU was a stark contrast to the bustling emergency room, its atmosphere hushed and somber. They stopped outside a room where a small figure lay surrounded by machines and monitors.
Emma’s breath caught in her throat as she saw Tommy lying there, his face pale and bruised. She felt a fresh surge of guilt and sorrow, her heart breaking for the boy and his family. She stepped into the room, her movements slow and hesitant.
“Tommy,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m so sorry.”
David stood beside her, his hand on her shoulder. “We’re here for you, Tommy,” he said softly. “We’re praying for you.”
The machines beeped steadily, a reminder of the fragile line between life and death. Emma reached out and gently touched Tommy’s hand, her fingers trembling. She felt a tear slip down her cheek, followed by another, until she was silently weeping for the boy whose life hung in the balance.
After a few minutes, Dr. Patel gently ushered them out of the room. “We’ll keep you updated on his condition,” he said. “Try to get some rest. It’s going to be a long night.”
Emma nodded numbly, allowing David to guide her back to the waiting area. She felt like she was moving through a fog, her mind and body disconnected from the world around her. She sank back into the chair, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear, guilt, and helplessness.
David sat beside her, his presence a small comfort in the midst of her turmoil. “We’ll get through this, Emma,” he repeated, his voice steady and reassuring. “No matter what happens, we’ll get through it together.”
Emma leaned into him, drawing strength from his words. She knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but she also knew that she couldn’t face it alone. With David by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope, a small light in the darkness that surrounded her.
The News
The drive home from the hospital was a blur for Emma. The city lights streaked past the windows, but she barely noticed them. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of Tommy, lying in that hospital bed, fighting for his life. The weight of her guilt pressed down on her, making it hard to breathe.
David’s hand rested on her knee, a silent gesture of support. He had always been her rock, but tonight, even his strength felt like it might not be enough. They pulled into the driveway, and Emma stared at their house, its familiar facade now seeming cold and unwelcoming.
Inside, the house was eerily quiet. Sophie was staying with a friend for the night, a small mercy that spared her from the immediate aftermath of the accident. Emma sank onto the couch, her body heavy with exhaustion. David sat beside her, his arm around her shoulders.
“Do you want something to eat?” he asked gently. “You haven’t had anything since breakfast.”
Emma shook her head. “I can’t. I feel sick.”
David nodded, understanding. He didn’t press her, just held her close, offering what comfort he could. The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken fears and regrets.
The phone rang, startling them both. Emma’s heart leaped into her throat as she reached for it, her hands trembling. She glanced at the caller ID—Tommy’s mother, Sarah. Her stomach churned with dread as she answered.
“Hello?” she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.
“Emma,” Sarah’s voice was thick with emotion. “I just got to the hospital. The doctors… they said Tommy’s condition is critical. They’re doing everything they can, but…”
Emma’s eyes filled with tears. “Sarah, I’m so sorry. I never meant for this to happen.”
There was a long pause on the other end of the line. When Sarah spoke again, her voice was filled with a mix of grief and anger. “You were distracted, weren’t you? You weren’t paying attention.”
Emma’s breath caught in her throat. “I… I looked at my phone for a second. I didn’t see him until it was too late.”
Sarah’s sobs echoed through the phone, each one a dagger to Emma’s heart. “My little boy is fighting for his life because of you. How could you be so careless?”
Emma’s tears flowed freely now, her guilt overwhelming. “I’m so sorry, Sarah. I wish I could take it back. I wish I could do something to make it right.”
“Just pray for him,” Sarah said, her voice breaking. “Pray that he makes it through the night.”
The line went dead, and Emma let the phone slip from her hand. She buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with sobs. David pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as she cried.
“It’s not your fault, Emma,” he whispered, his voice filled with pain. “It was an accident.”
“But I was distracted,” she choked out. “If I hadn’t looked at my phone, Tommy would be okay.”
David didn’t have an answer for that. He just held her, his own tears mingling with hers. They stayed like that for a long time, the weight of the night’s events pressing down on them both.
Eventually, Emma’s sobs subsided, leaving her feeling hollow and numb. She pulled away from David, wiping her eyes. “I need to do something,” she said, her voice hoarse. “I can’t just sit here.”
David nodded. “What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “But I need to find a way to make this right. I need to help Tommy and his family.”
“We’ll figure it out,” David said, his voice steady. “We’ll find a way to help.”
Emma nodded, grateful for his support. She knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but she also knew that she couldn’t face it alone. With David by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope, a small light in the darkness that surrounded her.
As they sat together in the quiet of their home, Emma made a silent vow. She would do everything in her power to help Tommy and his family. She would find a way to make amends, to seek redemption for the mistake that had changed all their lives. And in doing so, she hoped to find a way to forgive herself.
Declan Hunter
The Weight of Guilt
3
Chapter 2: The Aftermath
Withdrawal
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the bedroom. Emma lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind replaying the events of the previous day. The accident, the hospital, Tommy’s pale face—it all felt like a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. Her body felt heavy, as if the weight of her guilt was pressing her into the mattress.
David stirred beside her, his arm draped protectively over her waist. She could feel his steady breathing, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her. She wanted to stay in bed, to hide from the world and the consequences of her actions, but she knew she couldn’t. With a deep sigh, she gently moved David’s arm and sat up, her head throbbing with the effort.
“Emma?” David’s voice was groggy with sleep. He reached out, his hand finding hers. “Are you okay?”
Emma swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. “I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice barely more than a whisper. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be okay again.”
David sat up, his eyes filled with concern. “It was an accident, Emma. You can’t blame yourself forever.”
“But I was distracted,” she said, her voice breaking. “If I hadn’t looked at my phone, Tommy would be fine. How can I ever forgive myself for that?”
David pulled her into a hug, his arms strong and reassuring. “We’ll get through this,” he said softly. “Together.”
Emma wanted to believe him, but the guilt was too overwhelming. She pulled away, wiping her eyes. “I need to take a leave of absence from work,” she said, her voice trembling. “I can’t focus on anything right now.”
David nodded, understanding. “I’ll call your office and let them know. You need time to heal.”
Emma nodded, grateful for his support but feeling unworthy of it. She stood up, her legs shaky, and made her way to the bathroom. The reflection in the mirror startled her—dark circles under her eyes, her skin pale and drawn. She barely recognized herself.
She splashed cold water on her face, hoping to wash away some of the exhaustion and guilt. It didn’t help. She felt like she was drowning, and no amount of water could cleanse her of the weight she carried.
Back in the bedroom, David was on the phone with her assistant, Rachel, explaining the situation. Emma sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling. She knew she needed to be strong, for herself and for her family, but she didn’t know how.
David hung up the phone and came to sit beside her. “Rachel said she’ll handle everything,” he said gently. “You don’t have to worry about work.”
Emma nodded, her throat tight with emotion. “Thank you,” she whispered.
David took her hand, his grip firm and comforting. “We’ll get through this, Emma. One day at a time.”
Emma wanted to believe him, but the road ahead seemed impossibly long and difficult. She knew she couldn’t face it alone, but she also knew that she had to find a way to forgive herself. And that felt like the hardest task of all.
As the morning light grew brighter, Emma resolved to take it one step at a time. She would start by taking a leave from work, by allowing herself the time and space to heal. It was a small step, but it was a start. And for now, that was all she could manage.
Strained Relationships
The house was quiet when Sophie returned home from her friend’s place. She dropped her backpack by the door and called out, “Mom? Dad?” Her voice echoed through the empty hallway, and she frowned, sensing the tension that seemed to hang in the air.
She found Emma in the living room, sitting on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The TV was on, but Emma wasn’t watching it. Her eyes were distant, lost in thoughts that Sophie couldn’t begin to understand.
“Mom?” Sophie said softly, approaching her. “Are you okay?”
Emma looked up, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She forced a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Hey, sweetie. How was your night?”
“It was fine,” Sophie replied, sitting down beside her. “But what about you? Dad said there was an accident.”
Emma’s smile faltered, and she looked away. “Yes, there was. A little boy got hurt, and it was my fault.”
Sophie reached out and took her mother’s hand. “It wasn’t your fault, Mom. It was an accident.”
Emma squeezed her daughter’s hand, her eyes filling with tears. “I wish I could believe that, Sophie. But I was distracted. I wasn’t paying attention.”
Sophie didn’t know what to say. She had never seen her mother like this—so vulnerable, so broken. She wanted to help, but she didn’t know how. “Is there anything I can do?” she asked quietly.
Emma shook her head. “Just be here, okay? That’s all I need right now.”
Sophie nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. She hated seeing her mother like this, and she hated feeling so helpless. She leaned against Emma, offering what comfort she could.
David walked in, his face lined with worry. He saw the two of them on the couch and sighed, running a hand through his hair. “How are you holding up?” he asked Emma, his voice gentle.
Emma shrugged, not meeting his eyes. “I’m trying,” she said softly. “But it’s hard.”
