Chapter 10 - The Garden of Truth
Spring came to Newport six months later, washing away the cold gray fog and blooming the estate's high boxwood hedges into rich, vibrant green.
The Sterling Estate had been officially converted into the Julian Sterling Memorial Sanctuary for Children—a private, fully funded haven for orphaned and displaced kids from across the state. The grand mansion’s iron gates were permanently locked open, replaced by bright wooden signs welcoming visitors to the gardens.
Clara walked along the paved stone path where the confrontation had taken place half a year ago. She wore a simple white linen dress, her hair loose around her shoulders, catching the warm, golden afternoon sunlight.
Beside her, Lily ran through the grass, laughing merrily as she chased a blue butterfly toward the marble fountain. Her wrists were completely healed, leaving no marks, her small face bright with health and joy.
Clara stopped near the wrought-iron gate. The rusted chains were gone, replaced by hanging baskets of bright pink petunias that swayed gently in the sea breeze.
She pulled a small silver locket from beneath her dress, opening it to reveal a tiny photograph of Julian smiling on a sailboat, alongside a picture of Lily as a newborn.
"We did it, Julian," Clara whispered into the soft afternoon wind. "She belongs here. She belongs everywhere."
From down the path, Lily's cheerful voice rang out against the warm, quiet air.
May you like
"Mommy! Come look at the flowers!"
Clara closed the locket, tucking it safely against her heart. She turned away from the gate and walked out into the warm sunlight toward her daughter, leaving the dark chains of the past buried forever beneath the green grass.
