In the late afternoon, bright still after sunset, Horangi and your daughter, Hana, were playing outside in the backyard. Her laughs made your drained heart suddenly fill back up with joy, knowing her and Horangi, your husband and the father, are having great bonding time.

Watching through the kitchen window, you smiled softly. Suddenly, Hana's grip loosened and tumbled onto the concrete with a slight slam. The world seemed to all collapse at the moment as you watched her fall. You gasped and quickly ran out to find what's wrong. In an attempt to catch her, Horangi missed, too late. She landed awkwardly, a sharp sob starting to erupt in the air.

Horangi's face was pale, his eyes wide with fear and guilt. You scooped her up, trying to soothe her cries as Horangi stumbled to his feet, his hands trembling. "We need to get her to the hospital," you said, your voice steady despite the knot of fear in your chest. Horangi nodded, already moving to grab the car keys. The drive to the hospital was a blur of red lights and whispered reassurances. Your daughter whimpered in your arms. Horangi kept glancing over, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel.

"I'm so sorry," he kept saying, his voice choked with emotion. "It was an accident. I'm so sorry." You reached over, placing a hand on his arm. "I know, love. It was an accident." At the hospital, the staff moved quickly, whisking your daughter away for an examination. You and Horangi stood in the waiting room, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling the air. Horangi's shoulders were hunched, his head bowed as he continued to mutter apologies.

"Horangi," you said softly, turning to face him. "Look at me." He lifted his head, his eyes filled with tears. "It's my fault," he said, his voice breaking. "I should have been more careful." You shook your head, stepping closer and wrapping your arms around him. "It was an accident," you repeated firmly. "She's going to be okay. Accidents happen." He clung to you, his body shaking.