Chapter 13: The Healing
Life slowly found a new rhythm.
Charles turned the guest room into a proper bedroom for the girls. He helped them enroll in a new school closer to his house. Every evening, they ate dinner together. Every night, he read to April before bed.
Lucy became more protective of her younger sisters. Rachel started speaking more and even joined the school art club. April, the quietest of the three, slowly began to trust that she was safe.
One evening, while helping April with her homework, Charles asked gently:
“Do you still miss your mom?”
April nodded.
“Every day. But I don’t feel scared anymore. Not like before.”
Charles smiled and kissed the top of her head.
“That’s all I want for you three. To feel safe.”
Later that night, after the girls had gone to bed, Charles sat in the living room with Rose’s notebook. He had read through most of it by now. On the last page, Rose had written one final line:
If you’re reading this, it means I’m gone. Please take care of my girls. They’re stronger than they know.
May you like
Charles closed the notebook and looked toward the hallway where his granddaughters were sleeping.
“They’re safe now, Rose,” he whispered. “I promise.”
