Evelyn hung up the phone and stood there for a moment, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The storm outside mirrored the tempest within, but she was far from overwhelmed. Her life had taught her resilience, strategy, and the sheer power of determination. Tonight, she would use every ounce of those lessons.
Returning to the living room, she found Sarah huddled on the sofa, wrapped in a warm blanket. Her eyes were red and swollen, her spirit visibly crushed. Evelyn’s heart ached, but she knew that allowing her own pain to show wouldn’t help Sarah. Instead, she knelt beside her daughter, taking her hands gently.
“Sweetheart,” Evelyn began softly, “tomorrow is going to be a pivotal day. But you need to know that none of this is your fault. Mark’s actions are a reflection of his character—not yours.”
