Chapter 9
The next few months were the happiest of my life.
I worked hard in physical therapy. By May, I was walking without a cane. My wrist was almost back to full strength. My back only ached when it rained.
I took my final exams for my online classes. Got straight A’s.
Northwestern sent me my official acceptance letter for the fall. My parents framed it. Hung it in the living room, right above the fireplace.
We had a big party to celebrate. All our friends. The family members who’d stood by us. Det. Carter. Mia. Dr. Miller.
My dad grilled burgers. My mom made her famous potato salad. Just like the Fourth of July.
But this time, there was no Lila. No Karen. No glares. No lies.
Just laughter. And love.
That night, after everyone left, my dad pulled me out onto the porch.
He had a small box in his hand.
“I have one more thing for you,” he said.
He opened it.
Inside was a necklace. A small silver pendant, shaped like the Northwestern University seal.
“It was my mom’s,” he said. “Your grandma. She went to Northwestern too. Pre-med, just like you. She would have been so proud of you.”
He put it around my neck.
I touched the pendant. It was warm from his hand.
“Thank you, Dad,” I said. I hugged him.
“Anytime, baby,” he said. “Anytime.”
A week later, we got a letter in the mail.
From Lila.
My mom almost threw it away. But I stopped her.
I wanted to read it.
I opened it.
The handwriting was messy. Angry.
Mia,
I hope you’re happy. You ruined my life. I’m in here for seven years because of you. Seven years I’ll never get back.
But don’t think this is over. When I get out, I’m going to find you. I’m going to make you pay for what you did.
You’ll never be safe.
Never.
Lila
I stared at the letter.
For a second, I felt that old fear. That cold knot in my stomach.
Then I thought of the trial. Of the verdict. Of Lila being dragged out of the courtroom, screaming.
I thought of my parents. Of Mia. Of Det. Carter. Of the necklace around my neck.
I thought of the old woman at the clinic. Of how I was going to be a doctor. Of how I was going to help people.
I crumpled the letter up. Threw it in the trash.
I was done being afraid.
Lila was in prison. She’d be there for a long time. And when she got out? I’d be ready.
I was strong now.
Stronger than she’d ever be.
That night, I slept like a baby.
August came.
I packed my bags for Northwestern. My dorm was on the south side of campus. A small room, but it was mine.
My parents helped me move in. Carried my boxes. Made my bed. Hung my acceptance letter on the wall.
My mom cried.
“My baby’s all grown up,” she said.
I hugged her.
“I’ll be home every weekend,” I said.
“You better,” my dad said. He squeezed my shoulder. “Or I’ll come up there and drag you home myself.”
I laughed.
They left around 4 PM.
I stood in the middle of my dorm room. Alone.
For the first time in my life, I was truly on my own.
I walked to the window. Looked out at the campus. Students walking to class. Laughing. Talking. The lake glinted in the sun.
I touched the necklace around my neck.
I’d been through hell.
I’d been broken. Lied about. Doubted. Threatened.
But I’d survived.
I’d come out stronger. Braver. Better.
I was ready.
Ready for college. Ready for med school. Ready for whatever life threw at me.
I took a deep breath.
May you like
Smiled.
And walked out the door to start my new life.
