Scott lowered his voice. “You would let your own brother lose everything over one text?”

Daniel looked through the hospital window at Lily taking her first assisted steps down the corridor. “No,” he replied. “You lost everything because that text showed people exactly who you are.”

Scott cursed at him. Daniel ended the call and blocked his number.

Lily left the hospital twelve days after surgery. Hundreds waited behind barriers outside, but staff arranged a private exit. She did not want cameras filming her in a wheelchair.

She wanted to go home, eat tomato soup, and sleep in her own bed.

Owen visited a week later with another drawing — Lily beside eleven children beneath a clear blue sky. Senator Chase arrived with groceries and a handwritten letter that offered no money, favor, or publicity.