The car rolled quietly through the neighborhood, its headlights painting shifting shadows across sleepingwns and empty driveways. Anastasia sat in the passenger seat, silent, gazing out at the world slipping by, still caught up in everything she''d overheard at Asher''s ce.


    She''d heard Herman''s words. The way he''d changed-it was because of her. There''s a saying: if you don''t pull weeds out by the roots, they just grow right back. Even if Herman took care of Asher tonight, someone else mighte looking for trouble, wanting revenge. And it''s always the people you love who end up getting hurt.


    Anastasia''s close calls had left Herman on edge. With three kids at home, all he really wanted was for their family to be safe, for things to be simple. That''s why he let Asher go tonight. He was choosing peace over violence, hoping the cycle would finally end.


    By the time they got home, the house was dark and still. The kids were asleep, the world finally quiet.


    Anastasia slipped upstairs and peeked into Pattie''s room. Her little girl was growing up fast her features getting clearer, her whole face shining with that quiet kind of beauty that makes mothers ache with pride.


    But Pattie still couldn''t speak. That hurt never really faded for Anastasia.


    She''d seen Dr. James. The only chance Pattie would ever talk was a risky surgery, and neither she nor Herman could bring themselves to risk it. They wanted Pattie healthy, but more than that, they wanted her here, by their side.


    Suddenly, Pattie stirred and opened her eyes. When she saw Anastasia sitting by the bed, her whole face lit up: Mom.


    "Did I wake you up?" Anastasia asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from Pattie''s forehead.


    Pattie shook her head and signed: Mom, I had a dream.


    "What did you dream about?" Anastasia asked, her voice gentle.


    Pattie signed: I dreamed I could talk. My teacher said if I keep taking my medicine, I''ll be able to


    ak one day.


    Anastasia''s nose stung; her heart squeezed tight. The medicine couldn''t cure her —just help, a little. She could feel how badly Pattie wanted to speak, could see it every day.


    "I''m sorry, sweetheart." Anastasia pulled Pattie close, her words thick with guilt. "It''s all my fault."


    If she''d been more careful at the wedding, maybe Gianna wouldn''t have gotten the chance to take Pattie. If she''d confronted Gianna about her feelings for Herman sooner, maybe none of this would''ve happened.


    Now she finally understood what Herman meant when he spoke to Asher. Without weaknesses, nothing holds you back. You hurt me, I hurt you right back. But when you have family, everything changes. You swallow your pride, your anger, your pain-just to keep them safe.


    Once you be a parent, you''d take on every storm yourself if it meant your kids could stay untouched.


    Pattie wrapped her arms around her mother''s waist, sensing her sadness. She didn''t me her mom, but every time they had this talk, she could see it hurt. Pattie gently touched Anastasia''s cheek: Mom.


    Anastasia managed a shaky smile. "Pattie, your birthday''s next week. I got you something special-what else do you want? Just say it, and it''s yours."


    Pattie shook her head, signing: I just want you and Dad to be happy. I want our family tough together, like before.


    Pattie was smart, and


    sensitive she''d noticed her parents were sleeping in separate rooms. She missed the way things used to be, the warmth that filled their house.


    Her words made Anastasia''s heart ache even more. Kids always know when something''s wrong, even if you try to hide it.


    Pattie squeezed her hand, her eyes clear and bright: Mom, can Dad sleep in here tonight?


    Anastasia''s throat tightened. She nodded. "...Okay."


    She left Pattie''s room, wiping away tears, and bumped into Salma in the hallway.


    Salma noticed her red eyes. "Ana, what''s wrong?"


    Anastasia tried to pull herself together. "Just... talked with Pattie. She knows more than we think. She''s so sensitive."


    Salma nodded. “Kids like Pattie, who''ve been through so much, they feel everything more deeply. But Ana, time will heal. Everything passes, eventually."


    Anastasia hesitated, then said


    quietly, "Mom, there''s something


    should tell you. I was the one who


    asked Dad toe back from Willowbrook. I was scared Adam would hurt you..."


    Salma just smiled, gentle and warm. "I know, sweetheart. Parents can''t hold grudges against their kids Adam''s family-life''s just been tough for them. I saved a little money and sent it over. We help where we can."


    Anastasia stared, surprised. "But Adam lied to you..."


    Salma shrugged, a littleugh in her voice. "From now on, we''re just friends. I''m


    too old to hold onto grudges forever. What good does it do?"


    Her mother''s calm eptance made Anastasia''s own anger feel small.


    "How''s Aunt Linda?" she asked, finally letting go of her own resentment.


    Salma sighed. "Gianna was everything to her. She''ll never be the same. But Ana, remember-being alive is what matters most."


    Herman had said that too. Everything else is just details.


    "I know, Mom," Anastasia replied, forcing a smile.


    "Get some sleep,” Salma told her. "Tomorrow I''m taking your aunt hiking. She needs some fresh air, a change of scenery."


    "Okay. Goodnight."


    Anastasia went back to her room. She didn''t turn on the light; the darkness feltforting. But as soon as she stepped inside, she could sense something was


    off.