Chapter 9 - Reclaiming Sophie
The afternoon sun streamed through the glass entrance of St. Jude’s Memorial Hospital as Nora Lane stepped out onto the front plaza, holding Sophie tight against her chest.
For the first time in weeks, the world felt bright, safe, and endless.
A crowd of hospital staff, nurses, and officers—including Officer Paul Reeves—stood outside, applauding warmly as Nora made her way to the waiting car. Denise Holloway stood near the front of the crowd, wearing her clean nurse scrubs, smiling through tears of redemption and hope.
Officer Reeves stepped forward, tipping his cap to Nora. "Safe journey home, Mrs. Lane. You’ve got a brave little girl there."
"She had a lot of angels protecting her," Nora said, looking back at Maya and Liam, who stood at the top of the hospital steps.
Maya walked down the steps beside Sarah and Liam. The fresh breeze carried the scent of summer blossoms from the park across the street.
"Maya," Nora called out before getting into the car. "We’re having a christening next month. I want you to be Sophie’s godmother. And I want Liam to be our guest of honor."
Maya felt a rush of deep warmth in her chest. "It would be the greatest honor of my life, Nora."
Nora leaned down and kissed baby Sophie's forehead before securing her safely into her brand-new car seat. As the car pulled away from the curb, heading toward a peaceful, beautiful future, Maya turned to look at Liam.
The boy was looking up at the bright, clear blue sky. A red cardinal bird landed on a nearby birch branch, singing a crisp, melodic morning song.
Liam closed his eyes, listening to the tune.
"Do you hear it, Liam?" Maya asked softly.
May you like
Liam opened his eyes and looked up at Maya with a faint, beautiful smile—the very first genuine smile Maya had ever seen on his face.
"It sounds like daylight," Liam said.
