Chapter 10 - Solid Ground
That evening, we moved into our new home—a small, sunlit apartment on the third floor overlooking the park. There were no hidden vents, no secret security cameras, and no dark rooms behind the walls. Just open windows, warm light, and a future built entirely on truth.
As I tucked Noah into his new bed, he looked up at me with sleepy, trusting eyes.
"Mommy?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Are we staying here forever?"
I smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead, and kissed his cheek.
May you like
"Forever and always, baby. Nobody is ever taking you away."
Noah closed his eyes, his breathing slowing down into a peaceful, steady rhythm within seconds. I sat beside his bed for a long time, watching the gentle rise and fall of his chest, feeling the solid, unshakable ground beneath my feet at last. The nightmare was over. The trap had been broken. And we were finally free.
