We have every right to feel angry and disappointed, but we also get to decide what healing and forgiveness look like for our own family.”

Little Daisy listened quietly, clutching her teddy bear tightly against her chest.

A few months after the investigation officially ended, Daisy brought her brown teddy bear into the kitchen.

The tear under its arm had been neatly mended with bright blue thread.

“Mom, do you want to keep Dad’s hidden note in your memory box?” she asked softly.

“I think it belongs to you, sweetheart,” I replied gently, smoothing her hair.

“You’re the brave girl who found it.”