Chapter 6 - The Morning AfterThe hospital smelled like antiseptic, coffee, and sleeplessness.
Sarah woke beneath fluorescent lights with three fractured ribs, a severe concussion, and bruises covering her arms.
But the first question she asked was not about herself.
"Where's Lily?"
A nurse smiled gently.
"She's with your sister in the waiting room."
Sarah closed her eyes.
Relief washed through her.
Minutes later, Lily entered.
She looked smaller beneath the hospital's harsh lights.
Sarah reached for her.
Lily climbed carefully onto the bed.
For a while, neither spoke.
Then Lily whispered, "Did I do something bad?"
Sarah's heart broke.
"No."
"But I hurt him."
"You protected yourself."
Lily looked down.
"I just wanted you to live."
Sarah pulled her closer.
"You saved my life."
For the first time since the attack, Sarah cried.
May you like
Not from pain.
From gratitude.
Related Stories
Chapter 7 - The Man Behind the MaskThe police identified the intruder as Marcus Vance.
Chapter 8 - Fifty Thousand DollarsThe phone contained almost nothing.
Chapter 9 - The Father Who Lost ControlRichard sat alone in his penthouse office when the knock came.
Chapter 10 - The Child WitnessThe prosecutors needed Lily's testimony.
Chapter 11 - The CourtroomThe courtroom was packed.
Chapter 12 - The Truth Comes OutThe prosecution revealed Richard's motive.
