He had promised thirty minutes because the words sounded reassuring, not because he had any control over what happened once he walked out the door.

The accident hadn’t been his fault. The missing backup plan was something he could no longer look away from.

When he was finally allowed to see Ella, he came in on crutches, in a hospital gown and a robe, one ankle wrapped and braced.

Ella watched him from the bed without moving. For one painful moment, he expected her to reach for him. She didn’t. “Daddy?” “I’m here.” “You said thirty minutes.”

Andrew tightened his grip on the crutches. “I know.” “You were gone for four days.”

He didn’t tell her the crash should explain it all.