Chapter 10 - The Promise Kept

Later that evening, after the guests had departed and the apartment was quiet, Daniel and I sat on the balcony wrapped in warm wool blankets, watching the stars reflect off the calm surface of Lake Michigan.
The city lights twinkled below us like a million tiny diamonds.
"Mom?" Daniel asked softly, turning his head to look at me.
"Yes, son?"
"Are you happy here?"
I reached out, taking his hand into mine, feeling the strong, steady pulse of a son who had finally found his way back home.
"I am more than happy, Daniel," I whispered, looking out over the endless lake. "I am free."
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Three years in the dark had taught me that gold and grand houses mean nothing if they are built on lies. But standing here in the light, surrounded by true love, justice, and my son, I knew that the rest of my life would be lived in the warmth where I belonged.
And no one would ever lock my door again.