Chapter 17 - THE NEW FAMILYThree years passed.
Emma and Lily became close.
They went on vacations together.
Celebrated birthdays together.
They laughed about the absurdity of their family history.
“Can you believe our parents?”
Lily shook her head.
“Honestly, our family belongs in a television drama.”
Emma laughed.
“Except no one would believe the plot.”
Robert slowly became a real father to Lily.
He still had regrets.
But he stopped hiding.
That was the greatest change.
He told Lily everything.
Even the ugly parts.
Especially the ugly parts.
Because he had finally learned that truth could hurt.
But lies destroyed.
Evelyn remained in prison.
She received visits occasionally.
Not from Robert.
Not often from Emma.
But Lily visited once.
She sat across from the glass.
“You hurt my sister too,” Lily said.
Evelyn nodded.
“I know.”
“You hurt everyone.”
“I know.”
Lily stared at her.
Then said:
“I don't forgive you.”
Evelyn closed her eyes.
“I understand.”
“But I came anyway.”
May you like
Evelyn began to cry.
And for the first time, Lily allowed her to.
