Read Chapter 33: — THE PROMISE

Ravensbridge held no parade for the volunteers.

There were certificates, letters, a council reception months later, and a photograph in the local paper that Ethan disliked because his hair looked terrible.

The things that mattered were smaller.

Arthur's red scarf at the clinic entrance.

Jamie joining the ambulance service after graduation.

Peter answering phones at the community centre.

Mick delivering boxes while complaining theatrically about his knees.

Claire finally holding Noah outside St Anne's while colleagues applauded from the doorway.

Mark keeping the Ravensbridge Line active.

Samir's wife receiving a framed copy of the bridge-and-steering-wheel logo signed by every driver.

Maya kept the sticky note by their front door.

COME HOME.

One evening in early summer, she stood in the bathroom staring at a small plastic test.

Ethan was in the kitchen burning garlic.

"Ethan?"

"If this is about the smoke alarm, I have the situation under control."

"Ethan."

Something in her voice brought him running.

She held up the test.

For once in his life, Ethan had nothing to say.

Maya laughed and cried at the same time.

"Fear doesn't get a vote," she whispered.

He wrapped his arms around her.

"No," he said. "But it can come with us."