Chapter 10 - THE WOMAN BEHIND THE DISAPPEARANCE
Evelyn Hart had spent decades helping women escape dangerous situations.
She understood fear.
Secrecy.
And the courage required to leave.
But she also understood that hiding forever wasn't a life.
One evening, she sat beside Claire.
Hope slept nearby.
“Sweetheart.”
Claire looked up.
“Yes?”
“You can't spend your whole life running.”
Claire nodded.
“I know.”
Evelyn took her hand.
“You deserve peace.”
Claire looked toward the window.
Then whispered:
“I don't know how to trust anyone anymore.”
Evelyn smiled sadly.
“Start with yourself.”
Claire looked down at Hope.
Her daughter stirred.
Tiny fingers curled around Claire's thumb.
And for the first time, Claire realized something.
She had already done the hardest thing.
May you like
She had left.
Now she had to build a life worth staying for.
