Chapter 14 - THE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT FEAR
One year later, Claire decorated a small Christmas tree in her apartment.
Elena was learning to walk.
She wore red pajamas.
Her laughter filled the room.
Vincent arrived with a carefully wrapped gift.
Claire opened the door.
“Come in.”
He smiled.
“Thank you.”
The apartment smelled of cinnamon.
A children's book lay on the couch.
A toy elephant sat beneath the table.
Nothing was perfectly arranged.
And Vincent didn't care.
He watched Elena toddle toward him.
“Da!”
His face softened.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
He lifted her.
Claire watched.
A year earlier, she'd been afraid to leave a hair on the couch.
Now her daughter was dropping toys everywhere.
And nobody was angry.
Vincent looked around.
“This is a beautiful home.”
Claire smiled.
“It is.”
He nodded.
Then looked at her.
“Thank you for letting me be here.”
She studied him.
“You've worked hard.”
He shook his head.
“I'm just trying to do what I should have done from the beginning.”
Claire looked toward Elena.
May you like
Then smiled faintly.
“Keep doing it.”
