Chapter 10 - The Light in the Room
One year later.
It was a quiet Friday evening. The rain was falling softly against the glass windows of our home, creating a cozy, relaxing rhythm against the roof.
I walked up the carpeted stairs to check on the kids before going to bed. Noah was already fast asleep in his room, his arm draped over his favorite stuffed bear.
I walked down the hallway to Lizzy’s bedroom. The door was wide open, casting a warm, soft glow from her seashell nightlight onto the hardwood floor.
Inside, Lizzy was sitting in the middle of her big, comfortable bed, reading a colorful picture book to her teddy bear. Her room was filled with bright paintings, stuffed animals, and a large, beautiful white wardrobe armoire where all her clothes hung neatly—with the doors left wide open, filled with light.
She looked up as I stepped into the room, offering a bright, beautiful smile that melted my heart.
"Aunt Natalie?" she asked softly, closing her book.
"Yes, sweetheart?" I said, sitting on the edge of her mattress and tucking the soft pink blanket around her shoulders.
"Can we go to the park tomorrow if the rain goes away?"
"We can go anywhere you want, Lizzy," I promised, kissing her forehead. "The park, the ice cream shop, anywhere."
Lizzy snuggled deep under her blanket, holding her teddy bear close to her chest. She looked toward her wide-open bedroom door, then turned her eyes to mine, filled with absolute trust and peace.
"I like it here, Aunt Natalie," she whispered softly, her eyelids growing heavy with sleep. "There are no locks on the doors."
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"No, sweetie," I murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek, tears of pure joy glistening in my eyes. "In this house, the doors are always open. And you are always safe."
I stayed by her side until her breathing turned slow and steady, watching her sleep peacefully under the soft light. The dark closet was just a distant memory now—burned away by love, truth, and a family that would protect her forever.
