Brenda: Mark! Please! Don't ruin my life over this! Think of what people will say! Think of our reputation!
Mark: My daughter’s life is the only thing that matters to me. Take her away, Officer.
Officer Davis: Let’s go, ma'am. You can explain everything to the judge during your arraignment tomorrow morning.
The officers led Brenda out the front door, her high heels dragging against the concrete driveway as she screamed profanities and wept uncontrollably. The police car door slammed shut, cutting off her voice, and the vehicle pulled away into the afternoon sun, its lights flashing down the long tree-lined street.
Grandpa Arthur: Thank God it’s over, son. We almost let a monster destroy our family from the inside.
Mark: I should have seen the signs earlier, Dad. I was so blinded by grief and work that I didn't see how she was treating Lily when I wasn't looking.
Grandpa Arthur: Don't blame yourself, Mark. She was a master liar. But today, the truth came out, and Lily is safe.
Mark walked back to the living room carpet and picked up the crushed yellow rose that Lily had dropped during the struggle. Though the stem was bent and a few petals were bruised, the bright yellow color still shone brightly in his hand.
Mark: Look, Lily. The rose is still pretty.
Lily: Is it still for me, Daddy?
Mark: It’s for you, my sweet girl. And tomorrow, we’re going to plant a whole garden of yellow roses right in the backyard, just like your mother wanted.
Lily: Real roses? Big ones?
Mark: The biggest ones in Texas, baby. A whole garden just for you.
Grandpa Arthur walked over, putting his arm around his son and granddaughter as the warm Texas sunlight filled the room once more, washing away the darkness that had hung over the home for far too long.
Grandpa Arthur: A new beginning for all of us. No more secrets, no more fear.
Mark: No more fear. Just family.
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