Chapter 10 - Forever and Always
The following spring, the harsh Chicago winter melted away into fields of emerald green and blooming wildflowers along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Life had settled into a rhythm of absolute grace. The nightmares had stopped coming for Lily, replaced by late-night giggles, school art projects, and weekend bike rides along the lake path. She was thriving in her new middle school, earning straight A's and starring in the spring art exhibition with a stunning painting of a sunlit cottage surrounded by pine trees.
Standing in the crowded school gymnasium, looking at her artwork hanging proudly on the display wall with a first-place blue ribbon pinned to the corner, I felt a profound sense of gratitude wash over me.
Lily walked up beside me, holding a cup of punch, her face glowing with pride.
"Do you like it, Mom?" she asked, looking up at me.
"I love it, sweetheart," I said, pulling her into a warm side-hug. "It looks just like home."
May you like
"Our real home," Lily added softly.
"Yes," I smiled, looking out the gymnasium window where the spring sun was breaking brilliantly through the clouds, casting a golden radiance over the world outside. "Our real home. Forever and always."
