Six months passed quickly since that terrible afternoon in the estate.
The large estate was sold off to pay for legal settlements.
Lily and her mother moved into a small cozy coastal home.
The house had bright windows that let in endless morning sunlight.
There were no locked doors or dark floor hatches anywhere inside.
Lily sat at the wooden kitchen table doing her homework assignments.
Her mother walked over carrying two cups of warm herbal tea.
Mother: How is your history report coming along today, Lily?
Lily: It is almost finished, Mom, thanks to your help.
Her mother smiled warmly, her color fully restored to her face.
The court awarded the entire estate trust back to her mother.
Richard was sentenced to twenty years in a state prison facility.
His high-priced lawyers could not change the solid evidence against him.
Martha visited them every Sunday afternoon to help around the house.
She brought fresh baked apple pies for Lily every single week.
Maid Martha: You look happier than I have ever seen you, Lily.
Lily: I have my mother back, so I have everything.
They walked out onto the small back porch overlooking the blue ocean.
The cool breeze carried the fresh scent of pine and salt.
Lily took her mother's hand and squeezed it gently with love.
Mother: No secret can ever break our family apart again.
Lily: We are safe now, Mom, forever and always.