Sherry was sentenced to forty-five years in federal prison, without the possibility of parole.
Life slowly resumed. Dylan went to therapy. Melissa went back to teaching. Gregory designed a community center dedicated to child protection.
April published a book. The victims spoke out.
One Sunday, in the garden, Dylan was playing ball while the adults chatted around the barbecue. Normalcy restored, fragile but real.
« Dad, for my family tree… who do I put as my grandmother? » Dylan asked one evening.
Gregory knelt down.
« It’s your tree. You choose who has a place in it. »
Dylan smiled.
« So I’ll put on April. »
Gregory smiled in turn. The foundation was solid now. They had survived. And that was enough.
