Chapter 20 - The Promise Kept
Arthur carried the drawing back out to the porch, setting it on the table next to Sarah. He handed Toby a green marker.
"Draw yourself in," Arthur said. "Right next to me. And draw your mom, too."
Toby grinned, eagerly taking the marker. He sprawled out on the porch table, carefully drawing two stick figures holding hands with the tall man in the picture. He added a giant sun in the corner and a few birds in the sky.
When he was done, he capped the marker and held it up proudly.
"Perfect," Sarah whispered, leaning against Arthur.
Arthur looked at his family. He had lost millions of dollars in the betrayal, he had lost his brother, and he had nearly lost his life on that mountain road. But looking at the crayon drawing, he realized he was infinitely richer now than he had ever been in that lonely penthouse.
"Come here, you," Arthur laughed, scooping Toby up and throwing him over his shoulder, making the boy squeal with delight.
May you like
He carried his son down the steps, his legs strong and steady beneath him, walking out into the bright green yard under the clear blue sky, living the exact life the little boy had painted for him.
The machines were finally silent. The hospital was a ghost of the past. Arthur Sterling was standing entirely on his own two feet.
