Chapter 13 - A Promise by the Stretcher
Julian and Clara stepped into the back of the ambulance. Ellie lay on the padded stretcher, an oxygen mask resting loosely over her nose and mouth, IV lines taped securely to her small arm. Her pale hair was tangled, but her hazel eyes were bright and fully aware.
When she saw Julian, her eyes crinkled with a faint, tired smile. She pulled the mask down slightly.
""Mister,"" she whispered, her voice rough from the tube. ""You got dirty.""
Julian chuckled wetly, a fresh tear carving a line through the grime on his cheek. He knelt beside the stretcher, gently taking her tiny, uninjured hand between both of his.
""I did,"" Julian said. ""You got a little dirty too, kiddo.""
Ellie looked at Clara, then down at the ruined fabric of her wedding veil, which was still tucked around her legs. ""Your pretty dress... it's all torn.""
""It's the most beautiful dress in the world now, Ellie,"" Clara smiled, leaning down to brush the hair from the girl's forehead. ""Because it kept you warm.""
""Are you going to marry the princess now?"" Ellie asked, looking at Julian with all the innocent gravity in her heart.
Julian looked up at Clara, their eyes locking with unbreakable certainty.
""We are,"" Julian said softly. ""But only if our flower girl is there to walk down the aisle.""
May you like
Ellie beamed, a faint blush returning to her cheeks. ""I promise I won't lose my petals next time.""
""You keep fighting, Ellie,"" Julian said, his voice thick with emotion. ""I will see you soon. That's a promise from me to you.""
