Chapter 14 - A New FamilyOne year later, Elaine retired from teaching.
She moved into a quiet home in Scottsdale.
Not far away lived David, Leo, and Mia.
They weren't related by blood.
But family had never been only about blood.
Leo began calling her Grandma Elaine.
The first time he said it, Elaine had to walk into the kitchen so he wouldn't see her cry.
David started rebuilding his life.
He studied engineering.
He attended every one of Leo's medical appointments.
Mia grew into a laughing toddler who followed Leo everywhere.
And Elaine finally stopped feeling guilty when she laughed.
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The house slowly filled with something she hadn't heard in years.
Joy.
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Chapter 15 - The Scars of a HeroLeo's scars remained.
Chapter 16 - The Shadow of JulianOne evening, Elaine sat alone beneath the mesquite trees.
Chapter 17 - The Hero's PromiseLeo eventually returned to school full-time.
Chapter 18 - The Life They Almost LostYears later, David still remembered the phone call.
Chapter 19 - The Warmth After the FireOn a late summer evening, the family gathered around the backyard table.
Chapter 20 - Beyond the Broken GlassNight settled over Scottsdale.
