Chapter 12 - Ashes to Dawn
Six months later.
The physical therapy on my hand was finally complete. I still wore compression garments, but the bandages on my face were gone.
The scars were stark, branching across my left cheek and down my neck like lightning strikes.
I used to hate them. Now, I trace them with my fingertips and feel pride.
Ryan was sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison. Vanessa got twenty.
The stolen money was returned to the clients, and Mark was promoted to regional director of the company.
I sold the empty, charred lot where our house used to stand. I used the insurance money to buy a small, quiet cottage near Lake Michigan.
I stood on the porch, holding a mug of tea, watching the sun rise over the water.
My phone rang. It was Fire Investigator Miller.
"Emily," he said warmly. "I just wanted to call and see how you were doing. The news about the sentencing was in the morning paper."
"I'm doing well, Mr. Miller. Really well."
"I'm glad. You fought hard for the truth."
"I fought for my life," I corrected gently. "The truth just followed."
We said our goodbyes.
I set the phone down and took a deep breath of the crisp morning air.
I had dragged a dead weight out of a burning house, only to realize he was the one holding the match.
May you like
But the flames didn't destroy me. They forged me into something stronger.
I turned around and walked back into my new home, leaving the ashes of my old life behind forever.
