I feel something in my chest finally crack open and breathe.
They hold each other again.
And for the first time in three years…
We’re in the same room.
A family.
A gentle knock interrupts the moment. A doctor steps in, clipboard in hand, soft eyes. “I’m sorry,” she says quietly. “I just wanted to let you know we’ve finished the exam.”
We all turn.
“She’s okay,” the doctor says. “No signs of physical abuse. No internal injuries. She’s a little underweight and probably needs some follow-up, but overall she's in good health. She’s healthy.”
My knees give, and I sit on the chair again. “She’s… she’s really okay?” I ask.
The doctor smiles. “She’s really okay.”
Maddison presses her face into Ivy’s hair again.
I close my eyes.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
“There are a few procedural things,” the doctor continues. “The police will want to speak with you, and child services will follow up, but she doesn’t need to stay here. You can take her home.”
Home. The word feels unreal.
A little while later, a police officer comes in. Asks questions. Takes statements. Explains what will happen next.
I barely hear any of it. I just keep one hand on Ivy’s back.
When they finally say we’re clear to go, Maddison helps Ivy change back into her clothes.
Ivy takes my hand and Maddison’s.
And we walk out together.
Through the hospital doors. Into the night.
For the first time since she was taken…
We leave somewhere as a family.
Chapter 46
Nathan
The tires crunch to a stop in front of the quiet house on a tree-lined street.
Maddison’s. The place that used to be ours.
The engine keeps running.
