Mark drove his truck through the city streets under the glowing streetlights.
He called Elena's house line, praying she would pick up the phone.
After four long rings, Elena finally answered with a sharp tone.
Elena: What do you want, Mark?
Mark: Elena, please, is Sarah with you?
Elena: Why do you care? You threw her out like trash.
Mark: I was wrong, Elena! I checked the security camera footage!
Elena: You should have checked that before screaming at her!
Mark: I know I made a terrible mistake! Please tell me where she is.
Elena: She is at the downtown bus station buying a ticket home.
Mark: Tell her to wait, I am coming right now!
Mark stepped firmly on the gas pedal and sped toward the station.
The downtown bus depot was brightly lit against the dark sky.
Mark parked his truck near the curb and ran inside through the glass doors.
He looked across the crowded waiting room filled with tired travelers.
He saw Sarah sitting on a plastic bench near gate four.
Her small canvas bag was sitting on the floor beside her shoes.
She was staring down at her lap with quiet sadness in her eyes.
Mark walked across the tiled lobby with heavy, hurried steps.
Sarah looked up as his shadow fell across the bright floor.
She stood up quickly and took a step back from him.
Sarah: Mark, please don't cause a scene here.
Mark: Sarah, please look at me.
Sarah: I am leaving town tonight like you asked.
Mark: I watched the camera footage from the upper hallway.
Sarah froze as she heard his choked voice.
Mark fell to his knees right there on the dusty station floor.
He reached out and gently took her cold hands in his own.
Mark: You were trying to save my little girl.
Sarah: The railing just snapped when she touched it.
Mark: I saw it on the video. You risked your own life for her.
Tears spilled over Sarah's cheeks as the heavy weight lifted off her chest.
She looked down at the proud man kneeling at her feet.
Mark looked up at her with complete remorse and shame in his eyes.
Mark: I am so sorry, Sarah. Can you ever forgive me?