ManyWriters

My wife sent our five-year-old daughter into a supposedly haunted, abandoned house to recover her engagement ring from a past relationship.
Inside, our child was horrified by the blood-spattered walls. Frightened, she stumbled and tumbled down the staircase. A corroded metal spike impaled her tiny frame.
When I discovered her, she had already passed away. Her small fingers were still tightly gripping the ring, unwilling to release it even after death.
I broke down beside her motionless form, weeping uncontrollably as I embraced her.
Overwhelmed with anguish, I repeatedly dialed my wife's number.
When she finally picked up, her tone was irritated and detached.
"Quit calling me!" she barked. "David's daughter is about to go into heart transplant surgery. Don't ruin this!"
Her statement struck me like a thunderbolt. I gazed at my daughter's lifeless face, my heart shattering.
In that instant, a part of me perished.
I ended the call with my wife and dialed another number.
"Hello. This is Emily's father," I said, my voice quivering with fury and sorrow. "I'm phoning about the heart donation."
"I regret to inform you that we've decided to withdraw from the process."
If you took my child from me, you don't merit her heart.

The Ring That Shattered Two Hearts

The director hesitated before adding, "This is confidential, but you should speak with Noah Carter. Perhaps you can persuade him."


David's phone clattered to the floor as he sank to his knees before me.


"Noah, I beg you!" he pleaded, his voice cracking. "This is my responsibility. I shouldn't have interfered between you and Monica. Direct your anger at me, but don't make Sophie suffer. She's only a child!"


Tears coursed down his cheeks as he clasped his hands in desperation. "I'll do whatever you ask. Just don't let Sophie die. She's all I have left!"


I remained silent, my hands continuing to gather the remnants of Emily's ashes, my mind entirely focused on her.


"Noah! David is addressing you! Are you going to ignore him completely?" Monica shouted, her tone sharp and accusatory.


"You're impossible! Fine, detest me all you want. Misinterpret me and David as much as you like. But how can you target an innocent child? Do you lack any moral compass?"


Chapter 4