My heart feels so full.
After everything we endured, all the fear and heartbreak, somehow we made it here. To this moment of peace. Together.
I catch Morello's eye. "Can you believe this is real life?" I whisper. "That we get to just...be happy?"
He presses a kiss to my hair. "You and Yara deserve every bit of this joy. I'm the lucky one."
Yara overhears him saying her name and immediately pipes up. "We're all lucky!"
I laugh. "You're absolutely right, butterfly."
I open my arm and she comes over and snuggles into me.
Morello envelops us both in his strong embrace.
Over Yara's shoulder, I meet my mother's glistening gaze.
"I love you," I mouth silently.
She presses a hand to her heart.
We stay huddled together as the first stars appear, filling the sky with their brilliance.
The trials of our past brought us to this moment, this new beginning.
And our future has never looked brighter.
After we finally peel ourselves apart and head inside, I find myself lingering as the others get ready for bed.
I'm not quite ready for this magical evening to end.
I step out onto the back patio, breathing in the night air.
The moon casts a soft glow across the yard and I'm struck again by the beauty and peace of this place.
Our sanctuary.
Closing my eyes, I allow my mind to drift back through our journey.
The fear that gripped me, the pain that felt endless.
The strength it took just to survive.
I remember the first time I let myself trust Morello, let myself believe I deserved care and affection.
The terrifying vulnerability of opening my heart again.
And Yara. My fierce, resilient girl.
She gave me purpose when I thought all was lost.
Her smiles heal my soul a little more each day.
We endured the unendurable. And came out the other side. Together.
I open my eyes, a few tears slipping down my cheeks.
But they are tears of gratitude.