Those words drained every bit of anger from me.

Darren had said that constantly. When a neighbor’s car refused to start. When someone spilled a bag of groceries. Even when we were already running behind.

“You don’t wait to help someone in need, Carina.”

I wrapped Eli tightly in my arms.

“Your dad would be proud of you,” I whispered.

He went still. “Are you?”

That almost shattered me.

“Yes,” I said. “I’m proud of you too.”