Ethan broke down in tears.
Nothing became easy after that.
There were arguments. Doubts. Days when Emily almost asked him to leave. Days when Ethan struggled not to run again.
But this time, he stayed.
Dr. Brooks stayed too.
Emily stood her ground.
And Noah grew—quietly pulling them all forward.
A year later, Noah took his first steps—falling into Ethan’s arms while Emily laughed and Dr. Brooks watched, overwhelmed.
