Amber.
The last name broke on a sob. Fresh tears burned my eyes again. Mom pulled me back into her arms without a word, one hand stroking my back in slow, steady circles while the other cradled the back of my head like I was still small enough to fit against her chest without effort.
“I know,” she whispered against my hair. “We both know your father isn’t going to change. And your sister… she’s just been shaped by him, Amber. She’s still a child in so many ways. One day she’ll come to her senses. Okay? She will.”
She eased back just enough to look at me, thumbs brushing the wet tracks on my cheeks.
“And stop saying there aren’t good people left in this world. Look at me.” Her smile was tired but real. “I’m here. I’m well. I’m happy—happier than I thought I’d ever be again. I never beli
