Chapter 14 - RebuildingRecovery wasn't instant.
The bruises faded.
The broken ribs healed.
But fear lingered.
Sometimes Sarah woke in the middle of the night convinced she had heard footsteps.
Sometimes Lily refused to sleep alone.
So they rebuilt their lives together.
They installed stronger doors.
Improved their security.
Changed their routines.
But Sarah refused to let fear become the architecture of their future.
One afternoon, she took Lily outside.
They sat beneath the old oak tree in their backyard.
"Are you still scared?" Sarah asked.
Lily thought about it.
"Sometimes."
Sarah nodded.
"So am I."
Lily leaned against her.
"Does that mean we're weak?"
Sarah smiled.
"No."
May you like
She wrapped an arm around her daughter.
"It means we're human."
Related Stories
Chapter 15 - The House Becomes a Home AgainMonths passed.
Chapter 16 - A Different Kind of StrengthOne morning, Sarah received an invitation from the police department.
Chapter 17 - The MedalSix months after the attack, summer sunlight filled the kitchen.
Chapter 18 - Extra SyrupThe Fourth of July weekend arrived.
Chapter 19 - The Life They ChoseThat evening, fireworks illuminated the sky.
Chapter 20 - The Door That Stayed OpenYears later, Sarah would still remember that night.
