Chapter 24 - The Final Echo
The past rarely stays entirely buried, but sometimes, its return only proves how strong the fortress has become.
Richard was watching the evening news while washing dishes when a familiar face flashed across the screen.
LOCAL SOCIALITE ARRESTED IN MASSIVE CHARITY FRAUD SCHEME.
Vanessa’s mugshot filled the screen. She looked haggard, her arrogant, polished mask entirely stripped away. She had attempted to scam a wealthy elderly couple out of their estate and had been caught by federal investigators.
Richard froze, the dish towel in his hand motionless.
"What are you looking at, Dad?"
Sophie asked, walking into the kitchen with her history textbook.
Richard quickly reached for the remote, wanting to shield her.
"Leave it, Dad,"
Sophie said, her voice surprisingly firm.
She walked up beside him and watched the news anchor detail Vanessa's impending twenty-year prison sentence.
Richard held his breath, watching his daughter's face for any sign of panic, any resurgence of the trauma.
Sophie simply watched the screen for a moment. Then, she let out a slow, indifferent sigh.
"She looks tired,"
Sophie noted, completely devoid of empathy or fear.
"She can't ever come back, Sophie,"
Richard promised quietly.
"I know, Dad,"
Sophie smiled, turning away from the television and opening her textbook.
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"I have a history test tomorrow. Can you quiz me?"
The ghost of Vanessa was officially, permanently dead.
