Alone and Forgotten
Days later, a summons arrived — she was to appear in court.
The news spread quickly. People who once smiled at her now turned away. Her name became a whisper of disgrace.
But the silence that hurt most was Ethan’s.
She missed his laughter, his curious questions, the way he hugged her without hesitation.
Then one gray morning, a soft knock came at her door. When she opened it, Ethan stood there.
“Clara!” he cried, running into her arms. “Grandma says you’re bad, but I don’t believe her. The house feels empty without you.”
Tears welled up as she held him tightly. “Oh, Ethan…”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small photo — their hands clasped together.
“I kept this,” he said. “So you won’t forget me.”
For the first time since her world had fallen apart, Clara felt a spark of light return.
