After the New Year, Damien was scheduled to check in for surgery.

They kept it from the three kids, telling them it was just a minor appendix removal.

The night before admission, Scarlett went through his lugage one more time, making sure everything was packed before she could finally relax.

The night was calm and still. Damien finished up work and found her in the walk-in closet, standing motionless, holding a family photo.

He wrapped his ...