Chapter 32 - Light in the DarknessLily stopped shaking slowly as Mark’s familiar, warm voice penetrated her panic. She looked up, seeing the tears streaming down her father's face.
The toy broom fell from her weak grip, clattering onto the floor.
"Daddy...?" she sobbed, burying her face into his neck. "I thought... I thought I was back there..."
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"You are safe. I promise you, on my life, you will never go back there," Mark whispered, lifting both children into his arms and carrying them to his own bed.
He left all the lights on in the house that night. He held their hands until the thunder passed and the birds began to sing at dawn.
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Chapter 33 - The Courtroom BattleTwo months later, the criminal trial against Kate began.
Chapter 34 - Justice DeliveredThe jury deliberated for less than two hours.
Chapter 35 - Learning to Play AgainBack at the coastal house, life slowly began to bloom.
Chapter 36 - The Laughter ReturnsLily looked at the dirt on her father's face, then down at the green grass. A small, bubbly giggle escaped her lips—a sound Mark hadn't heard since Emily passed away.
Chapter 37 - A MilestoneA year passed.
Chapter 38 - The School GateAt the school gates, other parents were chatting and waving goodbye to their children.
