Chapter 19 - The AnniversaryExactly one year to the day after the infamous birthday party that changed their lives, the Sterling family piled into the Escalade. But this time, there was no tension, no fear, and no dread.
They drove to the quiet, rolling hills of the Greenwood Cemetery. The autumn leaves were turning brilliant shades of orange and gold, falling gently over the manicured lawns.
They walked hand-in-hand to a beautiful marble headstone that read: Sarah Sterling. Beloved Mother, Devoted Wife, Guiding Light.
Jacob ran ahead, carefully placing a massive bouquet of white orchids—Sarah's favorite—at the base of the stone. Barnaby, who had been brought along on a leash, sat respectfully beside the grave, sensing the quiet reverence of the moment.
Samuel and Rebecca knelt down, brushing a few fallen leaves away from the engraved letters.
Thomas stood behind them, his hands resting on their shoulders. A year ago, he had been a man drowning in grief, hiding his strength to keep the peace. Today, he was the anchor his family needed.
"Hey, Mom," Samuel said softly. "I won the science fair. Dad got me a telescope, and I can name all the constellations now."
"I got into the advanced art program," Rebecca added, tracing the letters of her mother's name. "And Jacob lost two teeth."
"And I have a dog!" Jacob chimed in loudly, earning a soft chuckle from his older siblings.
Thomas looked at the headstone, a profound sense of peace washing over him. I did it, Sarah, he thought silently. I protected them. The monsters are gone. They are safe, they are happy, and they know exactly who they are.
He didn't need to say the words out loud. He knew she was watching. He knew she was proud.
"Alright, guys," Thomas said gently, clapping his hands together. "Mom knows we love her. Now, who wants to go to the Hamptons? The ocean is waiting, and I believe we have some sandcastles to build."
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The kids cheered, racing each other back to the SUV, Barnaby barking happily at their heels. Thomas lingered for one second longer, touching the top of the cold marble stone.
"Thank you," he whispered to the wind. "For giving me them."
