Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE HERSELF
The legal proceedings took time.
Graham faced charges connected to the financial investigation after authorities alleged fraud and misuse of funds.
The domestic abuse allegations were addressed through separate legal processes.
I provided statements and documentation.
My attorney helped me correct records that had been filed under my name.
The process was exhausting.
Some days I wanted to disappear.
Other days I was furious.
But I kept going.
I also returned to work.
Not at the diner.
I accepted a position coordinating services at a nonprofit that helped families navigate medical bills and housing instability.
It wasn't glamorous.
But it mattered.
I understood the people who walked through our doors.
I knew what it felt like to count every dollar.
To fear a phone call.
To wonder whether one unexpected expense could destroy everything.
And I knew how important it was to have someone listen.
Noah recovered steadily and began college the following fall.
He called me every Sunday.
Sometimes to ask for advice.
May you like
Sometimes just to complain about cafeteria food.
Those calls became the happiest part of my week.
