Chapter 44
|
Katherine’s recovery was slow but steady. Two weeks later, she was transferred back to her cozy cottage, where Robert had practically moved in to ensure she had round-the-clock care and terrible attempts at homemade soup.
One quiet Sunday afternoon, Emily sat by her mother's bed, reading aloud from a stack of foundation reports. Katherine listened intently, her eyes closed, absorbing the news of the Chicago expansion.
"You have built an empire, Emily," Katherine murmured softly, opening her eyes to look at her daughter. "A true, lasting empire."
"We built it, Mom," Emily corrected gently, setting the papers aside. "I never could have done any of this if you hadn't stood by my side when I left Daniel. You gave me the courage to fight."
Katherine smiled, reaching out to touch Emily's cheek. "You always had the courage, my darling. You just needed permission to use it. And now... look at you. You are fearless."
Katherine paused, a serious, thoughtful expression crossing her face.
"Emily, this scare in the garden... it made me realize that I won't be here forever," Katherine said quietly. "And I need to know that when I am gone, you won't let the foundation consume your entire life. You saved the world, Emily. But you deserve to live in it, too."
Emily felt a lump form in her throat. She understood what her mother was saying. For five years, Clearview had been her entire identity, her shield, and her sword.
"I am living, Mom," Emily promised, her eyes shining with tears. "I have Nathan. I have Rachel and Noah. I have a beautiful life."
"Then promise me you will make room for more," Katherine insisted softly, her eyes filled with maternal wisdom. "Make room for joy that has nothing to do with survival. Promise me."
May you like
"I promise," Emily whispered, kissing her mother's hand.
As she drove home that evening, Katherine's words echoed in her mind. She realized that she had spent years building a fortress to keep the darkness out. Perhaps it was finally time to open the gates and see what else the light could bring in.
