THAT FIRST BREAK (Broken Redemption Prequel 1)

Chapter 13

Lucas

Dawn. The magical time between night and day, where the darkened sky welcomes the first hints of light from the rising sun. As a child, I can remember watching the subtle changes with anticipation. Every second that the sky grew brighter brought me closer to whatever adventure I was looking forward to. Christmas mornings. Road trips. Birthdays. All those memory-making highlights of childhood that center around love and family.

I don't have to look much beyond my immediate circle of friends to know that I'm one of the lucky ones. I was born to parents who've made us the center of their universe and who shower us with an unlimited supply of love and acceptance. As a construction worker and teacher, it took a tremendous amount of sacrifice on their part to give us the amazing life we have. It's something Jenny and I don't take lightly and have never taken for granted.

As I look beyond the window at the changing sky, for the first time in my life, the threat of sunrise fills me with dread. Up to now, the cover of night served as a sanctuary, shielding us from facing the truth of our reality. A truth that's grown more and more apparent with every minute I've laid here waiting for my parents to walk through that door.

Sitting up, I throw my legs off the side of the bed and then run my hands over my face. Looking behind me, I use the bit of light coming through the window to check in on the girls who are huddled together and still asleep. My sister is curled up facing Embree, her face relaxed, in direct contradiction to how she looked a few hours ago. Like I'm afraid this is the last time I'll see her at peace I zone in, unable to look away.

When my breath catches in my throat, it takes a second to reign in the tears that threaten to fall. She looks so much like my mom. Something I never noticed before, but from the shape of her face, her eyes, and her light auburn hair, there is no mistaking the resemblance. Suddenly breathless, I close my eyes and drop my head into my hands.

When Uncle George brought us home, Jenny was so distraught that he didn't object to the three of us collapsing together on the bed. Me and Embree on either side, with my shattered sister laying between us. For the few hours it took for her to fall asleep, Embree and I offered whatever small comfort we could. It wasn't much, but to my relief, she eventually passed out. Not long after, Embree's hand—which had held mine since we laid down—went slack, signaling that she too had given in to exhaustion.

For me, on the other hand, sleep has proven elusive. The sound of my sister's pain continues to reverberate through my ears even as she's gone quiet. The horrific visions from the night continue to bombard my thoughts in an endless loop I can't escape. And then there's the fear that inundates my head with worst-case scenarios. It's like I'm stuck in a mighty ocean, fighting for air amongst waves determined to drown me.

As is the case when I'm on the verge of losing myself, I search for the cure to everything that ails me. Embree. The balm to my wounded heart and my soul's salvation. Even in sleep, her face reflects the same grief and worry that consumes me.

It doesn't seem fair.

Last night we were together, just as we're meant to be. We were happy. So damn happy that I'll never forget the bright light of hope and contentment that settled deep within my chest. And that first kiss, my very first taste of her, that moment will forever be one of the highlights of my life. But with everything that's happening, how do I honor the promises I made to her last night? Especially if the very foundation of my existence may have crumbled into ash.

Unwilling to face the questions ruminating in my head, I rise from the bed. While I'm not ready to face the day, I'm much too restless to continue sitting here dwelling in misery. With quiet steps, I leave the bedroom, stopping to cast one last glance at the girls before carefully shutting the door. Dropping my head against the cool wooden surface, I take a second to steel myself. For the sake of my sister and Embree, no matter the news, I must keep it together. They need me to be strong. To be present and confident. Steady. To be their lighthouse amid the waves and darkened sky that threaten to take us under.