Chapter 10 - The Final Triumph
Daniel looked at me through the glass, a tear rolling down his hollow cheek.
"I wanted to tell you... I was jealous of you," he confessed. "When I met you, you were so brilliant, so strong. I felt so small next to you. My mother told me that if I didn't break you, you would eventually realize I wasn't good enough for you. I let her poison my mind. I thought if I took your money and your confidence, you’d have to stay with me forever. I am so, so sorry."
I listened to his confession, feeling no anger, no pity, and no resentment. I felt absolutely nothing. And that was the greatest victory of all.
"I didn't survive because of your apology, Daniel," I said, my voice calm and steady. "I survived because I was always stronger than you and your mother combined. You tried to burn me to ashes, but you forgot that some things are forged in fire."
I stood up, adjusting my coat.
"I hope you find peace in your final days. But do not ever write to me again."
I turned my back on him and walked out of the prison, the heavy steel doors clanging shut behind me.
May you like
As I stepped out into the warm, bright sunlight, I took a deep breath. The sky was a brilliant, endless blue. My back no longer burned, my heart was light, and my future was entirely my own.
I had survived the fire, and now, I was finally ready to soar.
