The Carters’ house was busier than ever: school bags piled up in the entryway, sneakers abandoned on the front steps, the smell of spaghetti wafting from the kitchen. Zoe’s latest painting hung above the sofa, and James was helping Mason assemble a model volcano.
Sarah came in carrying a tray of cookies. « Just out of the oven. No raisins this time, Mason. »
« YES! » exclaimed Mason.
Emma tugged on Sarah’s t-shirt. « Can we finish the flower garland later? »
Sarah smiled. « Of course. »
Lily watched them from the shadows of the corridor, her arms crossed.
« You stayed, » she told him.
« I promised you. »
« It doesn’t erase anything. But… you’re doing well. »
It was the closest form of forgiveness Lily could offer – and Sarah understood how precious it was.
Later that night, James stood at the kitchen window, watching Sarah read a story to Emma on the sofa, the twins snuggled beside her.
« She’s changed, » Lily murmured as she approached.
« You too, » James replied. « We’ve all changed. »
He smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder.
« I raised five extraordinary children, » he said. « But it’s no longer just a matter of survival. It’s become a matter of healing. »
And for the first time in a long time, the house seemed whole again: not because everything had gone back to what it was, but because each of them had grown into something new.
Something stronger.
See more on the next page
Advertisement
