Chapter 17 - Elena’s Key
"Claire?"
Elena knocked timidly on the door of Claire's office at the foundation.
"Come in," Claire smiled warmly, gesturing to the chair across from her.
Elena sat down, clutching a small envelope in her hands. She was glowing. The fearful, trembling woman from the phone call was completely gone. In her place was an employed, confident mother.
"I just wanted you to be the first to know," Elena said, her eyes welling with happy tears. She opened the envelope and pulled out a shiny brass key. "I signed the lease today. My own apartment. Two bedrooms. My daughter gets her own room."
Claire felt a lump form in her throat. She stood up and walked around the desk, pulling Elena into a deep, fierce hug.
"I am so incredibly proud of you," Claire whispered.
May you like
"You saved my life," Elena cried softly.
"No," Claire pulled back, looking her directly in the eyes. "I just opened the door. You were the one brave enough to walk through it."
