The hallway was dimly lit as Jeffrey continued to sit on the floor, his back pressed against the door to Tim and Sarah’s room. He had lost track of how long he’d been there, listening to the faint sniffles and muffled sounds of his children crying inside. His heart ached for them. It felt as though he were locked out of their pain, unable to reach in and comfort them no matter how hard he tried.
Time stretched on, and just when he thought they might never open the door, there was a soft click. Jeffrey’s eyes flew open, and he heard the door creak open behind him. Slowly, he turned, just in time to see a pair of small faces peeking out. Tim’s red-rimmed eyes met his for a split second before they lowered, and Sarah, her cheeks stained with tears, stepped out from behind her brother.
For a
