Chapter 14 - Lily Chooses Her Own Next Step
Anna needed time to recover.
Lily needed stability.
The two did not immediately return to their old room.
With professional support, they moved into a small apartment near Lily’s
school.
Daniel offered to pay for everything.
Anna refused.
Then she accepted help finding legal assistance and applying for
available support.
She wanted a fresh start without owing a wealthy stranger her life.
Daniel understood.
He had once believed help meant taking over.
Now he asked what was useful.
Lily and Ethan kept meeting at the park, this time with adults aware and
nearby.
They still shared sandwiches.
Sometimes Lily brought both.
Sometimes Ethan did.
The money stopped changing hands.
The friendship did not.
One afternoon Lily told Daniel:
“I thought rich people only help when they want something.”
Daniel looked at his son.
“Sometimes they do.”
“What do you want?”
He smiled.
“For you two to finish your homework before dinner.”
May you like
Lily laughed.
It was the first time he had heard her laugh without checking the road.
