Mr Clark’s eyes fluttered open, the stark light burning his eyes as he let out a groan and slammed them shut again.
‘Dad? Dad!’ came Lily’s voice before two arms engulfed him as she shouted ‘get the doctor, he’s awake!’
‘Reaching up, Mr Clark patted Lily’s back affectionately, his own arm feeling like lead, ‘hey sweetie’ he mumbled, ‘how are you doing? Is Rose OK? Is she here?’
‘I’m here dad’ came Rose’s soft voice before his free hand was grasped by soft warm fingers.
Forcing his eyes open, Mr Clark’s face broke into a grin as he tightened his grip on his eldest daughter’s hand, ‘my beautiful Rose’ he said softly, tears filling his eyes as his bottom lip started to tremble, ‘I'm so sorry baby girl, I let you down, I didn’t protect you’ he mumbled, his face crumpling.
Rose stood from
