Chapter 7
Chapter 7: The Philadelphia Return
A week later, Arya traveled back to Philadelphia.
The hospital room was bright, filled with flowers Dante had insisted she bring.
Her mother, Elena, looked much stronger, the color returning to her cheeks.
“Arya?” her mother whispered, opening her eyes.
“I’m here, Mom,” Arya said, taking her hand.
Elena looked at her daughter, seeing the change in her posture, the confidence in her eyes.
“You look so different,” she noted.
“I’m free, Mom,” Arya said, tears forming in her eyes.
“We’re both free,” she promised.
Elena squeezed her hand.
“Dante told me everything,” she said.
“He said he wants to help,” she added.
Arya nodded.
“He has,” she confirmed.
“He’s paying for the best specialists in the country,” she shared.
Elena looked at the ceiling, her eyes misting over.
“I didn't want him to know who I was,” she admitted.
“I didn't want you to be a target,” she explained.
Arya leaned down and kissed her mother’s forehead.
May you like
“You did your best, Mom,” she said.
“And now,” she promised, “it’s my turn to take care of you.”
