CHAPTER 2: THE FATHER IN THE STORM

Rain pounded against Daniel's face as he pushed through the darkness.

The pharmacy bag stayed tucked beneath his jacket.

Protecting the inhaler mattered more than protecting himself.

Every step hurt.

His ankle had been injured during the accident.

But he kept moving.

Because all he could think about was Maisie.

His seven-year-old daughter.

His entire world.

Two years earlier, his wife had died from cancer.

Since then, every bedtime story.

Every school lunch.

Every doctor's appointment.

Every nightmare.

Every birthday.

Had been just the two of them.

Daniel had promised his wife something before she passed away.

"I'll take care of her."

And he intended to keep that promise.

Back at the apartment, officers finally arrived.

They found Maisie curled on the couch beneath a blanket.

Her face was pale.

Her breathing shallow.

But she was still clutching the phone.

"Is Daddy coming?" she asked.

One officer knelt beside her.

"He's trying very hard."

Maisie nodded.

"I know."

The officer looked surprised.

"You do?"

The little girl smiled weakly.

"Daddy always comes back."

Outside, another flash of lightning illuminated a figure limping down the flooded street.

Daniel.

Still carrying the medicine.

Still moving.

Still refusing to quit.