“ Let it all out dear, Celine urged with a soothing tone to her voice.

“It's been a tough journey with many obstacles. You have remained strong until the end. Now it's time for you to finally live your life for yourself.”

Mercedes couldn't stop crying. Her eyes kept welling up with more tears. She felt all her pain wash away with her tears. How she longed for such a day to come, and it was finally here. She was free and had a future to look forward to.

Celine placed her hand ...