Chapter 9 - The Mother Emma Remembered
Claire didn't move toward Jason.
She didn't shout.
She didn't celebrate.
She carried Emma away from the evidence table toward a quiet corner of the ballroom.
Emma slowly looked up.
For the first time since Claire returned home...
She reached out voluntarily.
Small fingers touched Claire's medals.
"Did those hurt?"
Claire smiled through tears.
"Sometimes."
Emma touched the burn scar visible beneath the uniform collar.
"Did that hurt too?"
"A long time ago."
Emma looked into her mother's eyes.
"I thought you made those up."
Claire's heart shattered.
"Who told you that?"
Emma answered without hesitation.
"Daddy."
Claire hugged her daughter tighter.
"No one ever has to tell you who I am again."
May you like
"I know now."
👉 Emma had chosen her mother—but Jason still refused to admit why he created the lie in the first place.
