Chapter 10: What We Leave Behind
Six months later, the community center opened its doors. Bright, warm, full of laughter and light. Lily stood at the ribbon-cutting, holding a pair of golden scissors. When she cut the ribbon, the crowd cheered loud enough to shake the walls.
Evelyn was sentenced to seven years in prison. Her fortune was seized, her assets sold to repay what she’d stolen. The estate board asked Silas to take her place—and his first act was naming the new wing after Lily.
That afternoon, Victoria sat on the steps with her daughter, watching kids run through the playground.
“Mommy?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“Can we make a rule?”
“Sure. What rule?”
“Everyone gets to be here. Even if they’re quiet. Even if they’re different.”
Victoria kissed her forehead. “That’s the best rule I’ve ever heard.”
Some people think power means keeping everyone else out. But true power? It’s opening the door for everyone else to walk in.
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