Ashes to Butterflies by Manhart Suzanne

Author:Manhart, Suzanne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Suzanne Manhart
Published: 2024-03-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Emma climbed the steps to her room like she just finished a triathlon. With every step, she felt the full force of the storm's anger – her muscles torn, her body bruised, and her head fuzzy. She half-heard Chloe’s voice yelling for her, and Tony frantically calling her name. She turned to see Tony at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes wild with concern as he ran up to meet her. More than ever she wanted to console him, but he was becoming blurry, and she could not make her mouth move. Without notice, she slid onto the stairs, Tony’s arms wrapped around her.

Emma woke in bed with Dr. Lucas standing over her in his golf attire. Tony sat in a chair beside her, holding Chloe tight and slowly rocking her. Madison paced back and forth, chewing her nails.

“What happened?” Emma asked, trying to get up. The pain in her head and throughout her body made her remember the storm.

​“You passed out,” Dr. Lucas said. “You two were very lucky today.”

“Madison got us out of it. If it wasn’t for her,” Emma’s voice trailed off, thinking about what could have happened.

“I am sorry I worried you,” Emma said. “Did you check out Madison too?”

Dr. Lucas said, “Yes, you will both be fine. You need a good rest and to take it easy for a few days – meaning no strenuous exercise. I called in a prescription to help you manage the pain. Call me if you need anything. I am only down the road.”

Chloe wiggled out of Tony’s arms, “Can I hug you?” she asked Emma.

“Of course,” Emma said, trying to sit up.

“Gently,” Tony said. “Remember when you broke your arm?”

“Yes, Daddy, I remember,” Chloe said. She walked hesitantly over to Emma and gently put her arm around her, giving her chest a pat and grinned.

“What’s so funny?” Emma asked.

Chloe held her nose, “You smell like fish,” she said.

Madison burst out laughing, “We both do. I am surprised I don’t have one in my pocket. Maybe I do.” she dug deep into her yellow sundress, now caked with salt and dirt, and shook her head, then turned the pocket inside out. “No fish today,” Madison said.

Chloe giggled and ran back to Tony.

Emma said, “Madison, have you seen yourself?”

“I don’t care what I look like. You have to top it,” Madison said.

Emma touched her hair. It was mangled and stiff from the salt. If the rest of her looked anything like Madison, she was embarrassed for Tony to see her. Quickly, she diverted her eyes from him.

“I am a mess. Maybe a shower and food.” Emma touched her stomach. “We haven’t eaten today.”

Tony said, “Shower, food, and a change of bedding. I’m on it.”

“Let’s go, Chloe, we have things to do,” Tony said, picking her up and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Are you cooking, Daddy?” Chloe asked, holding her nose again.

“Nope,” Tony said. “We are ordering in.”

“Yeah,” Chloe said, clapping her hands.

Emma laughed, “I have taken note. Tony does not cook.

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