One year later, Claire stood onstage in a modest community college auditorium, holding a certificate in early childhood development—her first step toward a social work degree.
In the front row, David held Lily, who clapped with all the might of her tiny hands.
Claire looked down at them. Her daughter safe. Her smile full of tears.
She hadn’t just survived.
She had risen.
And she had brought the man who helped her with her.
