Chapter 16 - The Aftermath
Life in the safe house slowly came to an end. Eleanor packed her small bags and her baby's toys. She had been granted full legal and physical custody. Mark's parental rights had been completely and legally terminated. The state had also awarded her a victim compensation fund. She used the money to rent a beautiful little apartment in the city. It had big windows that let in plenty of warm sunshine. Sarah the social worker helped her move her boxes inside. Eleanor painted the nursery a bright and cheerful yellow color. She arranged the crib and hung up colorful pictures on the wall. For the first time she had a home that truly belonged to her. There were no locks on the inside of the doors. There were no angry voices shouting in the dark hallways. There was only peace and the sweet sound of her baby laughing. She was finally the master of her own destiny.
