Chapter 19 - The New BeginningThree years later, the Lily Bennett Arts Center opened in Manhattan.
The building was not enormous.
It didn't need to be.
Inside were classrooms, studios, a small theater, and a gallery dedicated to young artists.
On opening night, Lily stood on stage.
She was eleven now.
She looked into the crowd.
Her mother stood in the front row.
Lily took a breath.
"When I was eight, I thought art was something beautiful that belonged to rich people."
The audience smiled.
"Then I learned something."
She paused.
"Art belongs to anyone who can feel."
Sarah's eyes filled with tears.
Lily continued.
"And courage doesn't mean you aren't afraid."
The room became silent.
"It means you decide that fear doesn't get to choose your future."
The audience rose to its feet.
May you like
Sarah stood first.
Then everyone else.
