Chapter 7 - The First Night of Freedom
The following morning, the sun rose over Seattle, dissolving the thick morning fog.
At King County Children's Hospital, I sat at the edge of the bed, gently stroking Maya's hair. The bruises on her arm had been treated, and the doctor confirmed there was no permanent bone damage. Maya lay peacefully, tightly clutching the teddy bear her grandfather had just bought her.
My father walked into the room carrying two hot cups of coffee. He set one down and sat in the armchair opposite us.
"How did things go at the courthouse this morning, Dad?" I asked, still feeling the fatigue of a sleepless night.
Garrison smiled—a warm smile I hadn't seen in nine years, ever since Marcus used his manipulation to drive a wedge between us.
"The temporary restraining order has been upgraded to a permanent protective order," my father replied. "The federal prison denied Marcus bail due to his high flight risk. As for our assets, the mansion and joint investments have been seized to compensate for your and Maya's damages."
I took a deep breath, feeling a thousand-pound weight lift from my chest. "I still can't believe it's over..."
"It's only just beginning, Claire," my father took my hand, his eyes welling with tears. "For nine years... I let you suffer alone. They created fake evidence to make you believe I abandoned you. But from now on, no one will ever touch you or Maya again."
May you like
Maya stirred, opening her eyes to look at us. She blinked her big eyes at her grandfather and asked innocently, "Grandpa... does this mean I don't have to hide in the wardrobe anymore?"
My father leaned down, pulling Maya into his arms, his voice choking with emotion. "That's right, my sweet girl. From now on, you can run under the sun, and no one will ever hurt you again."
