Chapter 18 - Healing Wounds
With the trial behind them, Sarah’s primary focus shifted entirely to Lily’s emotional recovery. The physical scratch on the little girl's head had healed months ago, but the trauma of the sudden, explosive violence lingered.
Sarah enrolled Lily in play therapy with a warm, compassionate counselor named Dr. Evans. Through drawing and storytelling, Lily slowly processed the fear she had felt in the ballroom. She learned that Julian’s anger had nothing to do with her, and that she was not responsible for the actions of a sick, desperate man.
One evening, as Sarah was tucking her into bed, Lily looked up from her pillows. "Mommy, is the angry man really in jail?"
"Yes, sweetheart," Sarah said softly, smoothing the blankets. "He is far away, and he can't ever hurt you or anyone else again."
May you like
Lily nodded, a profound sense of relief washing over her small features. "You were really brave, Mommy. You stood right up to him."
Sarah smiled, a lump forming in her throat. "I will always stand up for you, Lily. Always." For the first time in months, Lily fell asleep quickly, untroubled by nightmares of shattering wood and screaming crowds.
