Chapter 3: Leaving the Cage
Without waiting for Eleanor’s response, Claire scooped Lily up into her arms. She didn't grab her designer coats, her fine jewelry, or any of the luxurious accoutrements Eleanor had used to bind her to the family. She took only her small canvas handbag, containing Lily’s medical records and a few favorite storybooks.
As they walked past the federal agents toward the grand foyer, the heavy double doors stood wide open, framing the cool night breeze. Outside, the night air tasted clean, devoid of the suffocating scent of fresh-cut lilies and expensive furniture polish that filled the mansion.
“Mommy?” Lily whispered, her small voice breathy against Claire’s neck. “Are we not getting any birthday cake?”
Claire stopped on the front porch steps, looking down at her daughter’s pale, sweet face. She smiled—a real, genuine smile that reached her eyes for the first time in years.
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“We are going to get the best cake in the world, sweet pea,” Claire whispered, kissing Lily’s forehead. “And tomorrow, we’re going to meet doctors who are going to make you feel strong again.”
An unmarked sedan sent by the pediatric medical foundation was waiting at the foot of the driveway. As Claire stepped in, she did not look back at the grand estate shining under the artificial lawn lights. The golden doors were closing behind them forever, but ahead lay the daylight of freedom.
