Chapter 16 - LILY'S NEW THERAPIST
Healing did not happen simply because Sabrina was gone.
Lily still woke from nightmares.
She sometimes refused milk.
She sometimes became frightened when adults whispered.
Ethan arranged for a child trauma specialist to work with her.
Grace attended some sessions.
Not all.
Lily needed a life that wasn't built around what happened to her.
One afternoon, the therapist asked Lily:
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Lily thought seriously.
“A veterinarian.”
Ethan smiled.
“Why?”
“Because animals can't tell you when they're scared.”
Grace looked at her.
“That's why you have to learn to notice.”
Lily nodded.
The therapist smiled.
“That is a very thoughtful answer.”
Later, Ethan asked Lily if she still wanted to keep the puppy.
She hugged the animal.
“Yes.”
“What will you name him?”
She thought.
“Brave.”
Grace smiled.
“That sounds right.”
Lily looked at her.
“No.”
She pointed toward Grace.
“Her.”
Grace froze.
“You want to name the puppy Grace?”
Lily laughed.
“Yes.”
May you like
For the first time, the estate echoed with a child's laughter instead of fear.
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