Chapter 13 - Learning to Live AgainThe victory did not erase the scars.
Ava still woke from nightmares.
Sometimes the sound of screeching tires made her freeze.
Sometimes she stared at her wheelchair with anger.
Rehabilitation became part of her daily life.
One painful step.
Then another.
She fell more than once.
Every time, Ethan was there.
But eventually, he stopped catching her immediately.
Instead, he stood nearby.
"Try again."
Ava glared at him.
"You are a terrible husband."
He smiled.
"Probably."
She tried again.
And one afternoon, she stood without assistance for several seconds.
Tears filled her eyes.
Ethan didn't say anything.
He simply smiled.
Ava laughed.
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For the first time, the sound wasn't forced.
It was free.
Related Stories
Chapter 14 - Lena's New BeginningLena had nearly lost everything because she had tried to protect Ava.
Chapter 15 - The House Without FearThe Laurelhurst estate changed.
Chapter 16 - A New PurposeAva decided she would never again allow someone else's cruelty to define her.
Chapter 17 - The Last LetterMonths later, a letter arrived.
Chapter 18 - The First DanceOne year after Margaret's arrest, Ethan organized a private celebration.
Chapter 19 - The Second SunriseSixteen months after the day the wheelchair hit the floor, the Sterling estate hosted a celebration.
