Chapter 9 - Healing Wounds
Physical bruises heal faster than emotional ones. In the weeks that followed, Lily started working with a trauma specialist—a genuine, empathetic professional who helped her process the terror of being locked away in the dark.
Sarah took a temporary leave of absence from her command post in Germany, transferring to a desk role at the Pentagon so she could be home every night. She traded her dress uniform for comfortable sweaters and jeans, focusing entirely on her daughter's recovery.
One evening, while they were planting herbs in the backyard garden, Lily paused, her hands covered in dark soil.
May you like
"I thought you wouldn't believe me," Lily confessed softly, not looking up. "When they first took me, Victoria kept saying that because of my anxiety, no one would ever take my word over a doctor's."
Sarah dropped her trowel and moved to sit beside her daughter. "Listen to me, Lily. Your voice is the most powerful weapon you have. Never let anyone convince you otherwise. I will always believe you."
