Axel leaned forward, resting his chin on her shoulder and holding her close.
“I know,” he whispered. “I know.”
Alice let out a sob, quickly covering her mouth as the tears poured uncontrollably. She tried to keep herself from losing control, but it was a struggle.
“Let it go, Alice,” Axel whispered. “I’m right here, and I'm not going anywhere.”
Alice took a shaky breath; she lowered her hand and hugged his arms around her stomach. The sobs came with force. She shook as she cried in his arms.
It seemed like an eternity before the tears stopped falling.
Axel had turned the faucet, adding more hot water to the tub. Alice lay against his chest, taking tiny breaths.
“I’m sorry,” Axel whispered.
“For what?” Alice asked.
“I promised you,” he said. “I promised to give you a family. But in the end, I am the reason you can't have one.”
Alice closed her eyes. It hurt to hear.
