Epilogue: Into the Light
Outside the courthouse, the afternoon sun felt warm on our skin. Ethan looked down at me and smiled, his eyes bright with relief. He reached into the carrier and gently placed Lily in my arms.
She opened her eyes—bright, curious, and full of life—and reached up with her left hand, wrapping her fingers around mine with surprising strength.
My sister had tried to destroy us. My mother had tried to erase us. But as I held my daughter against my chest, her steady heartbeat echoing mine, I knew they had failed.
We had survived the dark. And together, we were finally stepping into the light.
Note: This story is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Names, characters, and details have been altered. Any resemblance is coincidental. The author and publisher disclaim accuracy, liability, and responsibility for interpretations or reliance. All images are for illustration purposes only.
