Chapter 10 - The New Beginning
A year passed in a beautiful blur of late-night feedings, joyful laughter, and deep healing.
Caleb and Hannah had moved to a gorgeous new home in a completely different state.
Their son, little Oliver, was currently taking his first wobbly steps across the living room rug.
Caleb smiled warmly as he watched Hannah scoop the giggling boy into her arms.
The trauma of that horrific day had slowly faded into a distant, manageable memory.
Lorraine was rotting in a maximum-security prison, completely cut off from the outside world.
Dr. Morgan remained a close family friend, frequently visiting them during his holiday vacations.
Caleb finally felt the profound, unbreakable peace he had been searching for his entire life.
He walked into the kitchen and poured two cups of fresh coffee for himself and his wife.
He kissed Hannah deeply on the lips, fully appreciating the incredible family they had built together.
Later that afternoon, Caleb walked out to the street to check their new secure mailbox.
He pulled out a stack of mundane bills and a single, heavy black envelope with no return address.
He tore the thick paper open and pulled out a crystal-clear photograph of Oliver sleeping in his crib.
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The picture had been taken from inside their new house just last night.
A handwritten note attached to the terrifying image read, "Lorraine owed me a child, and I am finally coming to collect."
