Just after delivering my baby, my 8-year-old daughter arrived at my hospital room. She softly pulled the curtain shut and murmured, «Mom, hide under the bed, quick.» Together, we slipped beneath, hearts racing, barely breathing. Then, footsteps drew near, and she gently pressed her hand over my mouth…

Deborah gazed out the window. Her heart was filled with the pain of betrayal, but at the same time, she felt deep gratitude that their lives had been saved by Lily’s courage and quick thinking. I need time to think, she finally said.

Right now, I just want to focus on the children. Michael nodded silently and left the room. Three months later, Deborah sat on the small porch of her new home, watching Lily play in the garden.

Baby Thomas slept peacefully in her arms. The new house was smaller than their previous one, but the warm sunshine and quiet environment surrounded by greenery were ideal for healing their wounded hearts. Rachel Collins had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and delusional disorder following a psychiatric evaluation and was confined to a state facility.

Police investigations revealed that she had greatly exaggerated her brief relationship with Michael, even fantasizing about marriage and family planning. More surprisingly, she had caused similar problems at hospitals where she had previously worked but had concealed her record through credential falsification. Mom! Look, a butterfly! Lily called from the garden, stretching her small arms toward the sky.

Deborah smiled. Lily was receiving psychological counseling twice a week but was gradually regaining her original brightness with the resilience typical of children. Though occasional anxious expressions remained, she had developed a pride in being a little hero.

The divorce proceedings with Michael had been completed last month. He had quit his job and moved to a city on the west coast. Child support was paid regularly, but he didn’t come to see Thomas.

It was arranged that he would talk to Lily once a month by phone. With the help of a lawyer, Deborah had successfully obtained sole custody of the children. Through Carol’s introduction, Deborah had started working three days a week at the local library.

The limited working hours gave her plenty of time to spend with her children and an opportunity to build relationships in the new community. The library’s storytelling sessions had become her small joy. Would you like some tea? Carol appeared from the back door, holding two mugs…