And before I leave, I whisper the words I couldn’t say on his final night.

“Daddy didn’t come.

But I did.

I’ll always come.”

The breeze rustles through the branches, carrying away the last of my tears.

For five beautiful years, I had the privilege of being Ethan’s mother.

No verdict. No fortune. No act of vengeance.

Could ever take that away.

THE END.