Chapter 12 - The Woman Who SurvivedMonths passed.
Kirsten was promoted to Chief of Pediatric Cardiology.
Her name began appearing in medical journals.
Her department expanded.
Her research received national attention.
But success didn't erase the scars.
Some nights, she still woke from dreams about Connor.
Sometimes she wondered whether she should have seen the betrayal sooner.
Kenneth told her something one evening over coffee.
"Survivors often blame themselves for not predicting the person who hurt them."
Kirsten looked at him.
"Why?"
"Because believing we could have prevented it makes the world feel safer."
She was silent.
Then she smiled.
"You're annoyingly perceptive."
May you like
Kenneth smiled back.
"Occupational hazard."
Related Stories
Chapter 13 - A Different Kind of FamilyKirsten began volunteering at the hospital's pediatric recovery center.
Chapter 14 - Connor Behind BarsPrison changed Connor.
Chapter 15 - What Came BackKirsten received the final restitution payment.
Chapter 16 - The Unexpected LetterNearly a year after Connor's arrest, a letter arrived.
Chapter 17 - The Man at the HospitalTwo years later, Kirsten stood in the pediatric atrium during the opening of a new cardiac wing.
Chapter 18 - The New BeginningKirsten never remarried quickly.
