Chapter Ten: The Peace
Lily's recovery took time.
There were nightmares.
There were setbacks.
There were moments when the panic attacks felt like they would never end.
But she kept fighting.
She started a support group for other survivors.
She testified at Richard's sentencing—looking him in the eye and telling the court exactly what he'd done.
And when it was over...
She finally started to feel free.
"You know what I've learned?" She asked me one afternoon.
"What?"
"Strength isn't about how much you can endure. It's about knowing when to ask for help."
I nodded slowly.
"I used to think I could protect you from everything," I admitted. "But I couldn't. Some things, you have to face yourself."
"But you were there when it mattered."
"I'll always be there."
She hugged me tightly.
"I know, Dad."
"I love you."
May you like
"I love you too."
