In her youth, the scenes of her protecting him flashed through his mind, recalling what Mother Grant said today about her tears and the suppressed things; his heart ached immensely for the girl he deeply loved.
In Dawn Sutherland's mind appeared an image of her standing alone in the wind and snow, sobbing. Dawn instinctively held Daisy Grant a little tighter, his eyes and heart filled with tenderness and almost choking with emotion: "I'm sorry, I was late."
He was late in rushing back to her side, leaving her to cry alone at the wedding, leaving her alone in the hospital to accompany her father on his final journey.
He was late for everything.
As Dawn's words fell, Daisy's body shook violently. Dawn's voice was gentle, filled with enduring affection and palpable hurt, breaking Daisy's chord that had been holding back her tears all along.
"Second Brother." Daisy suddenly burst into sobs.
