Chapter 31 - The Shadow in the Bleachers
Far away, at the very top of the stadium bleachers, hiding behind a pair of large dark sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, sat Evelyn.
She had defied her own shame to sneak into the back of the stadium, desperate to catch a glimpse of the daughter she had lost.
She watched Chloe cross the stage. She watched Chloe look directly at Arthur with a love so profound and unbreakable that it physically ached to witness.
Evelyn waited for Chloe to scan the higher bleachers. She waited for just one, fleeting moment of recognition.
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But Chloe never looked up.
Evelyn pulled her hat down lower, turning around and walking slowly down the metal stairs, finally accepting the absolute, crushing reality of her permanent exile.
