She heard a child laughing on the floor below, a dog barking from a neighboring apartment, and a faint radio somewhere inside the building.

The world did not change all at once.

But she could sit on her own balcony without waiting for someone to criticize her.

For that afternoon, the ordinary sounds of home were enough.

PART 23

Months later the divorce was finalized through negotiated terms approved by the court.

Certain debts remained subject to separate disputes, and the professional investigation involving Garrett and Priscilla continued.

Iris was not awarded magical compensation for every painful year.