Two weeks later, the sun shone brightly over the manicured backyard in Dallas.
Mark had hired a professional contractor to completely seal the old stone well shut.
A solid stone cap now rested permanently over the opening, painted smooth and white.
Lily ran across the green grass chasing a bright red rubber ball with joy.
Mark sat on the wooden deck chair enjoying a quiet cup of hot coffee.
His lawyer called him on the phone to provide the final court case update.
David: Mark, the judge officially granted the full permanent protective injunction today.
Mark: That is the best news I have heard all month long, David.
David: Evelyn's lawyers agreed to settle all claims and forfeit any property rights.
Mark: She will never be allowed near my daughter without court supervision again?
David: Correct, she must keep a distance of five hundred yards at all times.
Mark ended the call and slipped his phone back into his blue jeans pocket.
He stood up from the deck chair and walked out onto the green lawn.
Lily kicked the red ball toward him and laughed out loud in the sunlight.
Lily: Catch the ball before it rolls past the new stone seat, Daddy!
Mark: I got it, sweetie, you kick the ball super fast these days!
He trapped the rubber ball with his foot and kicked it gently back.
The peaceful sounds of birds chirping filled the quiet suburban neighbourhood morning air.
Mark knew that the fight to protect his family had finally come to an end.
Their home was safe, their future was secure, and love had won over greed.
He lifted Lily high up into his arms and held her safe and warm.