Julian looked up sharply.

“You cannot change his name,” Julian said.

“I can,” I said. “And I will.”

“The custody agreement grants me the right to petition for a name change without your consent.”

Lydia smiled faintly.

“We will file the petition in the morning,” Lydia said.

Julian stood up, his joints popping in the quiet room.

He looked at me for a long moment.

I did not look away.

The silence between us was heavier than the rain outside.

“You planned this,” Julian said.

“I protected my son,” I said. “There is a difference.”

He turned and walked toward the door.

Martin followed him.

The notary thanked me quietly and left behind them.

Lydia remained in the kitchen.

We heard the car doors slam outside.

The engines started.

The headlights swept across the walls once more as they backed down the gravel driveway.

The red taillights disappeared into the dark pine woods.

Lydia set her briefcase on the counter.

“It is over, Elena,” she said.

“You are free.”

I sank into one of the wooden chairs.

My legs felt like water.