“Just away from here, Dad,” I said. “Somewhere quiet.”

He nodded and put the car in gear.

We drove away from the courthouse, leaving the shadow of the brick buildings behind us.

The city streets began to fade, replaced by the open, tree-lined roads leading toward the countryside.

Beside me, Owen slept peacefully, his tiny fingers curled into small fists.

We had a long way to go to heal from the scars they had left on us.

But as the sun began to set over the hills, casting a warm orange glow across the dashboard, I knew we were finally safe.

My father drove steady and true, keeping us moving toward a quiet, peaceful life.