Chapter 9 - The Lessons of the Fallen
A year later, I ran into Daniel at a local coffee shop. I almost didn't recognize him. He had moved into a small, modest apartment on the outskirts of town and was working extra hours just to stay afloat.
He asked if he could sit down for a moment, and I allowed it. There was no anger left in me—only indifference.
"How are the kids?" I asked politely.
Daniel sighed, staring into his coffee mug. "It's tough, Rachel. Once the lifestyle changed, reality hit them hard. Melissa couldn't afford the things they wanted, and neither could I. Jason had to get a part-time job to pay for his own phone and car insurance. Alyssa... well, she's realizing that the world doesn't revolve around her."
He looked up at me, his eyes full of regret. "Jason actually asked about you a few weeks ago. He found an old jacket you bought him and remembered how you used to make his burgers exactly how he liked them. He told me... he told me he wished he hadn't broken Ethan's plane."
"I'm glad he's learning," I said evenly. "But some lessons come at a high price."
"I'm sorry, Rachel," Daniel said, his voice barely a whisper. "I lost a wonderful woman, and I let my kids lose a wonderful stepmother because I was a coward."
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"I forgive you, Daniel," I said, standing up and putting my purse over my shoulder. "But I'm thankful for what happened. It taught me exactly who I am, and it taught my children that self-respect is worth fighting for."
I walked out of the coffee shop into the bright Phoenix sunshine, leaving the past exactly where it belonged—behind me.
