Chapter 10: Home to Stay
Two weeks later, Elena was officially discharged from Northwestern Memorial. Her health was restored, color had returned to her cheeks, and her lungs were clear.
When the elevator opened at the penthouse, Elena stepped out supported lightly by Mateo’s arm. The entrance hall had been decorated with hand-drawn banners reading *"WELCOME HOME MOMMY!"* in colorful crayon strokes.
"Mommy!" Emma shrieked, dropping her toys and sprinting across the foyer, wrapping herself around Elena’s legs.
Chloe followed right behind her, offering Elena a handmade bouquet of fresh daisies. "Welcome home, Miss Elena! I helped Emma make your bed!"
Elena knelt down, hugging both girls simultaneously, tears of pure gratitude streaming down her face. She looked up at the stunning, warm penthouse—not a cold glass tower, but a true home filled with the laughter of children and the scent of fresh baking from the kitchen.
"It’s breathtaking, Mateo," Elena whispered.
"It wasn't complete until you two got here," Mateo replied, stepping forward and extending his hand to help her up.
Later that evening, the girls fell asleep together in Chloe’s room, curled up under a shared down comforter, with Barnaby the bear resting safely between their pillows. Mateo and Elena stood outside the cracked doorway, watching them breathe in unison.
"I still can't believe this is real," Elena murmured, leaning gently against Mateo's shoulder. "For five years, I lived in constant fear that someone would take her from me, or that I wouldn't live long enough to see her grow up."
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Mateo wrapped his arm securely around her waist. "You will never have to be afraid again. I am here."
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