Chapter 54 - Ethan's Triumph
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Time moved forward with a beautiful, healing grace. A little over a year later, we found ourselves sitting in another massive, crowded stadium under the bright spring sun. This time, we were celebrating Ethan.
The university football field was packed with graduating seniors in dark crimson robes. I sat in the stands, wedged happily between Marcus and Sophie, holding a massive, obnoxious bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers to give to him after the ceremony.
"He’s going to trip crossing the stage, I just know it," Sophie joked loudly, holding her camera ready.
"Be nice," Marcus laughed, playfully nudging her shoulder. "Your brother graduated at the absolute top of his class."
When they called Ethan's name, the three of us screamed and cheered so loudly that several people in the rows ahead of us turned around to look. Ethan walked confidently across the massive stage, accepted his diploma with a wide, handsome grin, and pointed directly up at our section in the stands.
After the lengthy ceremony, we found him on the crowded campus green. I threw my arms around his neck, hugging him so tightly he actually groaned.
"I am so incredibly proud of you, Ethan," I cried happily.
"Thanks, Mom," Ethan smiled, hugging me back tightly. "I got the official letter yesterday. I've been accepted into the district attorney's internship program for the fall before law school starts. I'm officially on my way."
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He was going to be a brilliant prosecutor. He was going to spend his life fighting for the vulnerable, ensuring that corrupt, manipulative men like his father faced true justice.
Looking at my two incredible, highly successful, completely unbroken children, I knew that Caroline's ultimate sacrifice had not been in vain. We had saved them. And in the process, we had saved ourselves.
