Evelyn was gasping for air, her face covered in hot tears.
I wrapped my strong arms around her fragile, shaking body tenderly.
"I am so sorry, my love," I whispered into her messy hair.
"I should never have left you alone with her today," I said.
"Is she really gone?" Evelyn asked, her sweet voice breaking soft.
"She will never step foot in this house again," I promised firmly.
I held her close until her fast breathing slowed back down.
Downstairs, I could hear heavy drawers slamming shut in anger constantly.
Brenda was yelling insults to herself as she packed her bags.
She kicked the front door open with a loud, heavy thud.
"You will regret this day, Mark!" Brenda screamed from downstairs.
"You are choosing a stranger over your own biological blood!" she yelled.
I ignored her loud words and stayed right beside my sweet wife.
The front door slammed shut so hard the bedroom window rattled.
A deep, quiet calm finally settled over our bright sunlit home.
I reached for the bag of medicine I had dropped earlier.
I poured a clean glass of water from the bedside table pitcher.
"Here, take this pill now, honey," I said very gently.
Evelyn swallowed the medication and rested her head on my chest.
"Thank you for protecting me today, Mark," she murmured softly.
"I will always protect you, no matter what happens," I replied.
I pulled the warm duvet back over her cold, tired shoulders.
She closed her tired eyes and finally fell into a deep sleep.
I sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand.
I knew our life was going to change forever after today.