Chapter 14: The Horizon Beckons
Two years passed. Sarah stood on the timber stage of the state community college, wearing a black graduation cap and gown. She had completed her certification in social work, graduating at the top of her class while working full-time at the bakery.
When the dean called her name, the applause echoed across the auditorium. In the second row, Lily stood on her chair, clapping frantically with a glowing smile. Beside her sat Officer Miller and Clara from the shelter, who had traveled three hours to witness her graduation.
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Sarah walked across the stage, accepted her diploma, and turned to look at the audience.
She saw a room filled with people who had chosen to rebuild their lives. She remembered the terrified woman on the kitchen floor, bleeding over forensic papers while sirens screamed in the driveway. That woman wasn't weak—she was a hero who had fought her way through hell so that her child could live in the light.
