She Returned, But Not Alone

She Returned, But Not Alone

Author: Emily Murphy

Chapter 7: Into the Fire, Into the End

Grandma Elsie gave me a reassuring look. She squeezed my hand, her eyes full of understanding. I nodded, tears streaming down my face.

I thought of the whirlpool in the lake, of my husband’s skeleton. I remembered the cave, the bones, the way he’d protected Lila Mae. I knew what I had to do.

I held Lila Mae tight, and with Grandma Elsie and Tom, walked into the fire. The flames closed around us, hot and bright. I closed my eyes, holding my daughter close, and stepped forward, hoping for a miracle, hoping for peace, hoping—at last—for an end.

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