SPRINGTIME PROMISES *published*

CHAPTER 8: EVA'S ANGEL

The quiet streets of Kingston echoed with the steady rhythm of Norman Curl's boots as he made his way home from the lumber yard. The air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of budding flowers and fresh rain from the spring storm earlier that day. It had been a long week of work, but the tiredness in Norman's bones was outweighed by the sense of duty that always seemed to propel him forward.

At forty-one, Norman was no stranger to responsibility. As the eldest of the Curl siblings, he had taken on the role of caretaker after their parents had passed away. His mother had died when he was only twenty-seven and their father's passing followed a few years later. The weight of those losses still lingered in the back of his mind, but Norman had never allowed himself to dwell on grief for too long. There had been no time for it—not when he had his younger siblings to look after.

Eva, in particular, had been his concern. She had been just a girl when they lost their parents, and while Herbert had taken her in and provided a home for her, Norman had always felt a deep sense of responsibility for her well-being. In many ways, she had looked up to him like a father, and he had done his best to be the steady presence she needed. His protective instincts had only grown stronger over the years, especially as Eva blossomed into the lovely young woman she had become.

He couldn't help but think of her as he walked the familiar path toward Herbert's house. Eva was special, and Norman knew it. There was a quiet strength in her  - a resilience that had carried her through the difficult years, but there was also a softness, a vulnerability that made Norman worry about what life might throw at her next. She deserved happiness, and Norman wasn't sure anyone could measure up to the high standard he had in mind for his little sister.

When he finally reached Herbert's house, the laughter of children greeted him bringing a smile to his lips. The cousins were running around the yard, their joy infectious as they played with sticks and stones, imagining grand adventures. Norman waved to them, his heart softening at the sight of their carefree lives. He remembered when he had been that young - before life had forced him to grow up too fast.

Inside, the warmth of the kitchen embraced him, and he found his wife, Debra, chatting with Eva as they worked together to prepare dinner. Debra was a steadfast partner—calm, practical, and always understanding of Norman's responsibilities toward his family. She had been his rock, especially in those early years after their parents died.

"Norman," Debra greeted with a smile as she saw him in the doorway, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. "You're home early."

"Yes, they let us off a bit earlier today," Norman replied, stepping further into the room and placing a kiss on Debra's cheek before turning his attention to Eva. "How's everything here?"

Eva looked up, her gentle eyes meeting Norman's with a smile. "All's well. We've just been getting dinner ready."

Norman nodded, though his gaze lingered on Eva for a moment longer than usual. He had noticed the way she had been carrying herself differently these past few months - more thoughtful, more quiet. It didn't take long for him to figure out the reason behind her changes—Harry Spencer Bruton.

"I saw young Bruton on my way through town," Norman said casually although he watched for Eva's reaction.

She blushed slightly although she kept her focus on chopping the vegetables in front of her. "Oh?"

"Seems a good lad," Norman added, his tone carefully neutral. "Hardworking - decent."

A smile kissed Eva's lips but she said nothing.

Debra, sensing the subtle tension, chimed in with a chuckle. "Harry's been coming around more often these days, hasn't he?"

Eva shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "We've only spoken a few times."

Norman wasn't convinced. He knew his sister well enough to see the affection she was trying to hide. Harry was clearly becoming a fixture in her thoughts, and while Norman wanted to be happy for her, a part of him remained cautious. His instincts as a protector wouldn't let him simply accept anyone into Eva's life without scrutiny.

As the evening wore on and the family gathered around the dinner table, Norman found himself observing Eva even more closely. She seemed happier - more at ease, and though he wasn't sure if it was because of Harry or simply the prospect of a future she was beginning to shape for herself, Norman couldn't help but feel a mixture of pride and worry. Eva was strong, but she had also endured so much. He didn't want to see her hurt again.

Later, as he and Debra prepared for bed, Norman shared his thoughts with his wife.

"She's getting older, Norman," Debra said softly, her hands busy folding the bed covers. "You can't keep her sheltered forever."

"I know," Norman replied, sitting on the edge of the bed, his brow furrowed. "But she's...she's still young in some ways. She's been through enough."

"Harry seems to care for her," Debra pointed out gently, sitting beside him. "And Eva's not a child anymore. She deserves to have a life of her own - someone to love her the way you love me."

Norman sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know that, Deb. It's just hard to let go."

Debra placed a comforting hand on his arm. "You've done everything you can for her, Norman. You've been more than just a brother to her, but she's ready now—ready for something more."

Norman didn't respond right away, but Debra's words lingered in his mind. She was right, of course. Eva wasn't the little girl he had once carried on his shoulders - the one who had looked to him for guidance after their parents died. She was a woman now, with dreams of her own, and Norman had to come to terms with the fact that he couldn't protect her from everything, but as he lay in bed that night, Norman silently vowed to himself that he would always be there for Eva, no matter where life took her. Whether it was Harry or anyone else who came into her life, Norman would make sure that his sister was cared for - that her happiness was never taken for granted.

He had lost his parents, but he hadn't lost the family they had left behind. 

And he wasn't about to start now.