Chapter 29 - WHAT REMAINS
Years later, Lorenzo sat beside Elena's bed.
She was ninety-two.
Her breathing was weaker now.
Emma sat on the other side.
Noah had flown home from the hospital to be with them.
Elena opened her eyes.
“My family.”
Lorenzo took her hand.
“We're here.”
She smiled.
“I have no regrets.”
Emma fought tears.
Elena looked at her.
“You gave me courage when I had forgotten my own.”
Emma shook her head.
“You were the one who taught Lorenzo how to love.”
Elena smiled.
“He learned from you.”
Her eyes moved toward Lorenzo.
“My son.”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Be happy.”
His eyes filled with tears.
“I am.”
She looked at Emma.
“Take care of him.”
Emma nodded through tears.
“I promise.”
Elena closed her eyes peacefully.
She didn't die surrounded by fear.
May you like
She died surrounded by family.
And the woman who had once been humiliated in a ballroom left this world knowing that one frightened waitress had turned one terrible night into a lifetime of love.
