Chapter 19

• Annabelle watches the first steps of a little boy breaking free from the devastating grasp of a violent trauma. It's his first time initiating physical contact with someone in over three months.
• Nicholas holds Zander's small hand in his, shaking it gently. When they finish their greeting, Zander keeps his hand there with no indication that he wants to move it. Nicholas obliges and just holds the tiny hand, a soft smile on his face.
• Tears burn as she holds them back. She wants to jump up and shout in excitement at this breakthrough. She wants to grab Zander and hug him and tell him how proud she is of him. She does none of these because the power of this moment is so much greater than any of these things put together.