Chapter 18 - HEALING
Sarah, Lily, and I spent the summer by the sea. Away from the mansion. Away from the memories of stone walls and hidden dungeons.
Sarah’s strength returned slowly. There were nightmares. Moments of fear when doors locked or voices raised. But there were also moments of pure, radiant joy. Watching Lily run across the sand. Hearing her laugh. Holding her close and knowing she was truly safe.
One evening, Sarah and I sat on the beach as the sun set. Lily played nearby, building a castle in the golden light.
“Seven years,” Sarah said quietly. “They stole seven years from us.”
“They did,” I agreed. “But they could not steal forever. We have now. And we have her.”
Sarah took my hand. She looked at me, her eyes shining.
May you like
“I thought I would never be free,” she whispered. “I thought I would die in that dark hole beneath our home. But Lily… our brave little girl… she saved us both.”
“She did,” I said. “And we will spend the rest of our lives making certain she never has to be that brave alone.”
