Chapter 16 - The FoundationSarah used the settlement money and proceeds from her restoration work to establish the Lily Bennett Arts Foundation.
Its purpose was simple:
To provide free art programs for children who could not afford them.
Lily helped choose the first classroom.
It was small.
Bright.
Full of paintbrushes, paper, canvases, and sunlight.
Sarah watched children create their first paintings.
One little boy held up a crooked blue house.
"Look!"
Sarah smiled.
"It's beautiful."
Lily laughed.
"Mommy, you say that about everything."
"Because everything deserves a chance to become beautiful."
Lily looked at her.
May you like
Then at the painting.
Maybe her mother was right.
Related Stories
Chapter 17 - The PhotographOne afternoon, Sarah found Lily looking at an old photograph.
Chapter 18 - The LetterA year later, Sarah received an unexpected letter.
Chapter 19 - The New BeginningThree years later, the Lily Bennett Arts Center opened in Manhattan.
Chapter 20 - The Light Still BlinksLate that evening, after everyone had gone home, Sarah walked through the empty gallery.
