CHAPTER 8: THE SILENCE AFTER
The first weeks after the trial were quiet. The reporters left. The calls stopped. We were left with the stillness of a life we were finally free to build. Some nights I woke up sweating, hearing that thin cry in my ears. Some nights Sophia woke crying, reaching for me before she opened her eyes. But we held each other and reminded ourselves: we were safe. We were together.
We marked Leo’s first birthday in our new backyard, surrounded only by people who truly cared. No speeches, no judgments—just cake and laughter and sunshine.
---
