Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Epilogue

You are a child of the universe,

No less than the trees and the stars;

You have the right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

"Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann

Three years later

Caroline walked up to the palatial mansion, passing through the tall wrought-iron gates. She entered the house, the dust catching beneath her fingertips as she touched a banister leading upstairs. Dawn was breaking over the horizon, and beams of sunlight broke through the windows as she walked ahead. Lincoln followed, carrying Ellie in his arms. She was a bright-eyed, beautiful toddler full of mischief.

"Mama?" Ellie called out, her voice echoing in the grand hallways.

"Yes, honey?" Caroline kept moving, searching for something.