Chapter 16 - LILY ASKS WHY
That evening, Emma and Lily sat together on the bedroom floor.
The room was bright.
The same white bed stood behind them.
The same stuffed bunny rested beside Lily.
But everything felt different.
Lily looked at her mother.
"Why did everyone look so mad?"
Emma took a breath.
"Sometimes grown-ups make bad choices."
"Did I do something?"
Emma immediately shook her head.
"No."
"Was Mommy bad?"
Emma pulled her into a hug.
"No."
Lily looked confused.
"Then why were you crying?"
Emma wiped her tears.
"Because I love you."
Lily hugged her tighter.
"I love you too."
Emma closed her eyes.
For months, she had feared this conversation.
Now she realized the answer was simpler than she thought.
"You are safe."
Lily smiled.
"Because you're here?"
"Because we're surrounded by people who love you."
Lily looked toward the stuffed bunny.
"Like Grandma Eleanor?"
Emma smiled.
"Yes."
Lily thought for a moment.
"And Dad?"
Emma paused.
"Your dad loves you too."
That answer was honest.
And honesty was what had been missing from their family for years.
Later that night, Emma stood in the doorway and watched Lily sleep.
The same peaceful expression.
The same stuffed bunny.
But Emma no longer felt helpless.
Her phone rested on the nightstand.
It no longer represented fear.
It represented the moment she had finally chosen to speak.
She looked at Lily.
"You saved me too," she whispered.
Then she turned off the light.
For the first time in months, Emma slept peacefully.
But the next morning, a letter arrived.
May you like
It was addressed to Lily.
And the handwriting belonged to Margaret.
