Chapter 9 - Healing and Moving Forward
A year passed since that terrifying day in the headmaster's office.
Liam's arm had healed perfectly, leaving only a faint scar that he proudly showed off to his friends.
He transferred to a new, public magnet school, completely leaving the toxic environment of Crestview Preparatory behind.
He joined the debate team, channeling his experiences into powerful speeches about justice and equality.
He was thriving, happy, and completely safe.
I continued my work as the District Attorney, cracking down on corruption and fighting for those who couldn't fight for themselves.
The city respected me, not because of my wealth, but because of my absolute integrity.
My office became a beacon of hope for people who had been crushed by the elite.
I occasionally thought about Marcus, rotting away in his concrete cell.
I didn't feel anger toward him anymore, only a deep sense of pity.
He had traded his family, his freedom, and his soul for money and power.
And in the end, he was left with absolutely nothing.
One evening, I was sitting on my front porch, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and purple.
Liam came outside, handing me a mug of hot tea.
"Thanks, kiddo," I smiled, wrapping my hands around the warm ceramic.
"Mom, do you ever miss how things used to be?" he asked, sitting on the steps next to me.
May you like
"Never," I answered without a second of hesitation.
"We are exactly where we are supposed to be."
