Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 60023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
I’m numb, unable to speak. They’re here for me, for Lily. I feel something cracking open inside, unfamiliar and vast. I’ve never been anything but lost, and now—hero?
My bottom lip trembles as I look down at them, and slowly, I lift my hand, waving. I can hear their cheers and applause even through the hospital window. I press a hand to the glass, letting them see my tears, letting them see how grateful I am.
They raise their hands in unison, as if we are all connected.
Talon’s arms wrap around me, steady and strong, his chest pressed to my back. “Can’t say I’ve ever seen anythin’ like it. Your story captured so many people. Your bravery showed them they can be brave, too.”
I shake my head, trying to comprehend.
“But, I’m just one person...” My voice is small, almost lost in the enormity of the moment. I’ve never been the center of anything other than control, and now all this light, all these faces turned upward with hope.
“What you did matters,” Talon says. “You gave them something to believe in, you showed them there is a way out.”
I feel the weight of his words, the truth of them settling in. I’ve done something good. It seeps into the cracks of me like warmth, like light. I watch the people below, and I feel their presence rising up, surrounding me, lifting me.
Talon presses his lips to my temple, and I lean into him, breathless. “I never thought—” I start, but there aren’t words for this. For the first time, I feel like I’m part of something bigger, something that isn’t just fear and survival, but strength and possibility.
It’s overwhelming, and I cling tighter to Talon, to the window frame, to everything I’m not sure how to hold. For a long time, we stand at the window together, the glow of candles like stars against the street, like a universe I never knew existed.
Talon reaches down, and his hand slides over my belly, shocking me. “I know you wanted that baby, and one day, when the time is right, we’re goin’ to have as many as you want. I promise you that.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, turning to face him. “Really?”
He nods. “Yeah, I seen what you did for Lily. That’s the kind of woman I want havin’ my babies.”
My heart explodes.
He rubs my stomach again. “I’m sorry about your baby.”
I swallow, nodding and looking up at him with blurred vision. “I’ll be just fine. I have you.”
“Yeah. You fuckin’ sure do.”
Eventually, Talon guides me back to the bed. I’m weak with emotion, with gratitude, with the enormity of what’s happening, but there’s something else now too. Strength, building slowly, surely, and for the first time in my life, I believe I can actually embrace it.
For the first time in my life, I think I can be whoever I want to be.
The world just opened up for me, for Lily, and for everyone who feels alone.
I made a difference, as small as it might be, it’s still a difference.
My heart explodes with a joy I know I’ll carry with me until the day I die.
20
Asmall giggle wakes me, followed by a soft thud as Lily launches herself onto the bed. She crawls over Talon, her little arms and legs a flurry of excitement. “Wake up! Wake up! It’s fair day!” Her voice is bright, filling the room with more energy than I’ll ever have at this hour.
Gone is the fragile little girl, and in her place, someone strong and fierce. I can’t wait to see the woman she grows up to be.
Talon grumbles something unintelligible, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her into a playfully rough embrace. “You sure it’s today? Thought that was next week.”
Lily squeals, trying to wriggle free, but her giggles betray her. “Noooo. It’s today! Nia, tell him!”
I sit up, running a hand through my hair, smiling at the two of them. “It’s today, Talon. And I think she’ll explode if we don’t get moving.”
He exhales, releasing Lily, who bounces up and down, her face glowing with anticipation. I watch them, my heart so full it could burst. The last six weeks have been a blur of disbelief and happiness, a reality I never imagined could be mine. When Lily’s parents agreed to sign guardianship over, it felt like a dream.
“You’re mine,” I whispered to Lily the day it was final, holding her tight, her small arms wrapped around me. “Forever.”
“Forever,” she echoed, her voice soft and sure.
Now, she belongs to me, and I’m still not used to the bliss of it. The way the world feels open and bright, the way our little space is filled with laughter and love. I’ve watched her grow stronger, healthier, her spirit as fierce as ever.
“We’re goin’, we’re goin’,” Talon says, sitting up and pulling Lily into his lap. She’s still bouncing, her energy infectious, and I can’t help but laugh. “You ever been to a fair before, kid?”