Chapter 10 - The Dawn
I kicked back with all my remaining strength, my boot connecting squarely with his broken jaw.
Silas staggered backward, dropping the jagged piece of metal into the mud.
Before he could lunge at me again, the deafening roar of police sirens filled the woods.
Red and blue lights strobed violently through the dense canopy of trees.
Detective Miller slid down the muddy embankment, his weapon drawn and steady.
"Stay down!" Miller screamed, but Silas charged blindly toward him.
Three loud gunshots echoed through the silent forest, scattering the birds overhead.
Silas collapsed into the wet leaves, staring blankly at the dark sky, finally dead.
I fell to my knees, shaking uncontrollably as paramedics rushed down the hill to treat me.
It was finally over.
Six months later, the morning sun shone beautifully through my kitchen window.
Emmy was laughing loudly in the backyard, chasing a completely healed and energetic Lena.
The state adoption papers had finally been signed and finalized just that morning.
They were safe, they were happy, and most importantly, they were mine.
I smiled deeply, taking a warm sip of my morning coffee.
Then, the doorbell rang sharply.
I opened the front door, but the porch was entirely empty.
A pristine, unmarked white envelope rested carefully on my welcome mat.
May you like
Inside was a photograph of Emmy, taken through my own kitchen window just moments ago.
Scrawled on the back in fresh red ink were the words, "My brother failed, but the family never forgets."
