“Mommy,” she said, looking up with a bright smile.

I walked over and sat on the edge of her mattress, pulling her into my arms.

The weight that had rested on my shoulders for years was finally gone.

“Is everything okay now?” Lily asked, burying her face in my shoulder.

“Yes, sweetheart,” I said, kissing her forehead. “Everything is going to be just fine.”

We were free, and the silence of our new life was finally peaceful.