Chapter 13 - A Different Kind of FamilyKirsten began volunteering at the hospital's pediatric recovery center.
There she met children whose parents couldn't afford long-term rehabilitation.
One little girl named Lily followed Kirsten everywhere.
She drew pictures of hearts.
She left them on Kirsten's desk.
One afternoon, Lily handed her a drawing.
It showed two figures standing beneath a giant red heart.
"That's you," Lily said.
Kirsten smiled.
"Who's the other person?"
Lily shrugged.
"Someone who hasn't met you yet."
Kirsten laughed.
For the first time, she allowed herself to imagine a future that wasn't defined by Connor.
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Maybe family didn't have to look like the life she had once planned.
Maybe love could arrive in forms she hadn't expected.
Related Stories
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.
Chapter 19 - The Life He Could Never TakeConnor was released early for good behavior.
