A year later, Dr. Lawson and Nurse Hannah attended Lily’s first birthday party at the Whitakers’ home. Balloons filled the living room. Sunlight streamed through the windows. Laughter replaced fear.
Ava hugged Hannah tightly.
“Thank you for helping us,” she said.
Hannah blinked back tears. “You were the brave one,” she replied.
Outside, spring had replaced winter. The little girl who once walked barefoot through snow now walked forward with confidence, pushing her sister’s stroller down a quiet sidewalk.
The bruises faded.
The fear softened.
But the courage that carried her through those hospital doors that night?
That stayed — shining brighter than ever.
