Chapter 6 - THE CAPTAIN WHO REMEMBERED
Captain Daniel Mercer called two weeks later.
I was sitting in Rebecca's office when his name appeared on my phone.
I hesitated.
Then answered.
“Hello?”
“Mrs. Bennett. This is Daniel Mercer.”
“Captain.”
“I hope I'm not interrupting.”
“No.”
He paused.
“I wanted to let you know that the company's investigation has concluded.”
My stomach tightened.
“What happened?”
“Ryan's employment has been terminated following findings of misconduct under company policy.”
I closed my eyes.
Daniel continued.
“I can't discuss every detail, but I wanted you to hear it from someone directly involved.”
“Thank you.”
There was a brief silence.
Then he asked, “How are the girls?”
I looked toward the stroller.
“Growing.”
He chuckled softly.
“I imagine they are.”
I smiled.
“They're starting to recognize each other's voices.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
Something in his tone surprised me.
Warmth.
Not pity.
Not curiosity.
Just genuine kindness.
Then he said, “I also wanted to apologize for what happened at the terminal.”
I frowned.
“Why?”
“Because you came there expecting a beautiful family reunion. Instead, you were humiliated in a public place.”
My throat tightened.
“You didn't do that.”
“No. But I was there.”
I swallowed.
“Thank you for being kind.”
He paused.
“Take care of yourself, Claire.”
“You too, Captain.”
After the call ended, I sat quietly.
Natalie watched me.
“What?”
I shook my head.
“Nothing.”
But it wasn't nothing.
May you like
For the first time in weeks, a man had spoken to me without asking me to excuse someone else's behavior.
And I'd almost forgotten how comforting that could be.
