Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.
"How did she die?"
Carlisle is silent for a long moment. I count the long, heavy breaths he takes in the meantime.
Four... five… six… sigh.
"As soon as she was released from the hospital, she took her father's car and drove to the cliffs across town. She looked at peace with her decision as she whispered her love for her missing child and free fell towards the water as it surged towards the rocks."
Stony faced, yet tears well in his eyes.
"I hate that she lived such a horrid life, but I am ever so grateful it brought her here to me."
I wrap my arms around Carlisle from the side in a hug of understanding and sorrow. One of his squeezes me tight for a brief moment.