***Dinner**

The car felt lighter on the drive back.

Sophia sat clutching her certificate. Smiling at it like it might disappear. Yara chattered about the paintings she'd seen. Liam actually looked relaxed for the first time in weeks.

Emma drove with one hand on the wheel. The other holding the warmth in her chest. Her daughter had won. Had created something beautiful. Had told their story and been rewarded for it.

"Let's go out to eat," Emma said suddenly. "Celebrate. ...