I exhaled slowly, feeling the tremors running through my body as the tension finally released. Dennis clung tightly to me, his small hand firmly holding mine. I looked up at David, my eyes filled with gratitude, but also with a flood of lingering questions.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I don't know who you are, but you saved us."
David smiled gently, his expression warm and reassuring. "My name is David," he repeated. "Dennis found me outside and asked for help. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."
I nodded, still struggling to process everything that had just happened. "Why did you help us?" I asked, my voice barely audible.
David's smile widened slightly. "Sometimes, people cross paths for a reason," he said softly. "I believe I was meant to be here, to help you."
A wave of emotion washed over me. For the first time in what felt like years, a glimmer of hope began to take root in my heart. I glanced down at Dennis, who nodded in agreement, his eyes bright with trust in this man who had come to our rescue.
"Mom, he's a good man," Dennis said softly, his voice filled with conviction. "I know he is."
I squeezed Dennis's hand, my heart swelling with love for my brave son. Then I turned back to David, my eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, David," I said again, my voice steadier this time. "I don't know how we can repay you."
David shook his head with a modest smile. "There's no debt to repay," he said. "Just know that you're not alone. You have people who care about you."
Standing there, holding my son's hand, and looking into David's kind eyes, a deep sense of peace washed over me. It was a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time. Could things really be changing for the better?
David's soft chuckle broke through my thoughts as he glanced toward the door, clearly amused and disdainful of Alain's earlier threats. He released Alain's arm, allowing him to pull away. Alain immediately rubbed his wrist, his face flushed with humiliation and anger. But David, unbothered, pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his hands, as if ridding himself of any trace of the encounter.
Alain's eyes flickered with disdain. "So, this is the type of man you're settling for now, Elwyn?" he sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You've really downgraded. This guy doesn't even come close to me."
I narrowed my eyes at his condescending attitude and stepped forward, my voice sharp with indignation. "At least he won't cheat on me," I snapped. "Unlike you, Alain."
The remark hit its mark. Alain's face twisted with fury. But before he could respond, I stepped confidently toward David, slipping my arm through his in a gesture that both provoked Alain and expressed solidarity with my unexpected protector.
David looked down at me, surprise flickering briefly in his eyes before being replaced by admiration. He quickly adjusted, remaining calm and composed, following my lead. Alain's eyes darkened as he watched us, jealousy and frustration clearly bubbling beneath the surface.
"You think this little show is going to get rid of me?" Alain spat, his voice rising. "Do you think this changes anything?"
I stood firm, my arm still looped through David's. "This isn't a show, Alain," I said coldly. "It's a statement. You don't have any power over me anymore. Now leave, before you embarrass yourself further."
Alain's face burned with anger, but it seemed to dawn on him that any further confrontation would only make him look weaker. With one last venomous glare at David and me, he turned sharply and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
The sound echoed through the room, leaving a heavy silence. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my body relaxing slightly. I released David's arm and turned to face him, my expression filled with both relief and the lingering tension of the encounter.
"Thank you," I said sincerely, my voice steady now. "I didn't mean to drag you into this, but I appreciate your help."
David smiled warmly. "There's no need to thank me," he said gently. "I'm just glad I was here."
Dennis, who had been watching everything with wide eyes, suddenly ran to me, hugging me tightly. "Are you okay, Mom?" he asked, his voice small but filled with concern.
I knelt down and wrapped my arms around him, feeling my heart swell with love and gratitude. "I'm okay, Dennis," I whispered. "We're going to be okay."
David watched us with a gentle expression, his eyes full of kindness. "If you need anything," he said softly, "don't hesitate to reach out."
I looked up at him, my eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, David," I said again. "I don't know how we could ever repay you."
David shook his head, smiling. "There's no debt to repay," he said. "Just take care of yourselves."
As he prepared to leave, I stood up and gave him a warm, sincere smile. "We will," I promised. "And thank you, truly."
David nodded, giving Dennis a light pat on the shoulder before heading toward the door. As it closed behind him, I felt a sense of calm settle over the room. For the first time in what felt like forever, I believed that we were going to be okay.
Still reeling from the confrontation with Alain, I barely had time to process it all before Dennis spoke, his voice soft but determined. "Mom, don't worry. Uncle Jackie is a good man."
I blinked in surprise and looked down at Dennis, my mind racing. "Jackie?" I repeated, glancing over at the man who had just helped us. I repeated the name silently to myself, committing it to memory.
Dennis nodded, his eyes wide with sincerity. "Yeah, it's Uncle Jackie. He fixed my toy airplane when it broke. And he picked me up from school when you were busy. Uncle Jackie even chased away the bullies."
I stared at Dennis in astonishment, then turned my gaze to Jackie, gratitude and surprise filling my heart. "I had no idea," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.
Jackie knelt down in front of Dennis, his expression kind but serious. "Dennis, do you remember what we talked about before?" he asked gently.
Dennis lowered his head, pouting slightly. "Yes," he mumbled, his voice full of remorse. "I'm sorry."
Jackie smiled encouragingly. "It's okay, Dennis," he said softly. "But do you remember what we said about keeping promises? Is breaking them something a good boy does?"
Dennis shook his head, his eyes brimming with tears. "No," he admitted. But then he looked up defiantly. "But that old man was bullying Mom!"
I couldn't help but smile at my son's protective spirit, even as tears welled up in my eyes. I knew then, with Jackie by our side and Dennis's bravery, we were truly going to be okay.