Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO STAYED
Rebecca had planned to leave after the trial.
Her mission was finished.
The truth had emerged.
Matteo was in prison.
Sophia was safe.
And the danger that had followed Rebecca for years had finally begun to fade.
She packed her suitcase.
Then heard a knock.
Sophia stood outside.
“Rachel?”
Rebecca smiled sadly.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Are you leaving?”
Rebecca swallowed.
“I was thinking about it.”
Sophia's face fell.
“Why?”
“Because my work here is finished.”
The girl shook her head.
“No.”
Rebecca knelt.
“Sophia.”
“You're my friend.”
Rebecca's eyes filled.
“I know.”
“Friends don't have to leave when the scary part is over.”
Rebecca laughed through tears.
“No.”
Sophia held out her hand.
“Then stay.”
***
Later, Kalin found Rebecca in the garden.
She sat beneath a tree.
He approached.
“May I join you?”
She nodded.
He sat.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Kalin said:
“Sophia tells me you're leaving.”
Rebecca looked down.
“I thought it might be time.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
She looked surprised.
“You do?”
“Yes.”
He smiled sadly.
“You came here for answers. You found them.”
Rebecca looked toward the house.
“And Sophia?”
Kalin's expression softened.
“She loves you.”
Rebecca swallowed.
“I love her too.”
He nodded.
Then said:
“And I think I'm beginning to love you.”
Rebecca went still.
Kalin looked at her.
“I don't expect anything.”
She stared.
He continued.
“You don't owe me your life because you helped my daughter.”
Rebecca's eyes filled.
“I know.”
He smiled.
“But if you ever want to stay because you choose to…”
He stopped.
May you like
Rebecca took his hand.
“I might.”
