“Daddy!” Lily ran into the hospital room and jumped onto the bed, clinging to her father.
“My little girl!” William Sterling held his daughter as tight as he could. “I missed you so much. Are you okay?”
— “William…” Martha sobbed, hugging him too. “You have no idea what’s happened. We just came from the courthouse!”
— “Courthouse?” William asked, confused. He noticed Frank standing by the door. “And who is this?”
The doctors confirmed that William was doing remarkably well.
“The physical injuries have healed, and his cognitive function is perfect,” the doctor said. “But take it slow. You’ve got a long road of rehab ahead of you, Mr. Sterling. No stress.”
“We’re just so happy you’re back,” Martha said.
“I know you’re excited,” the doctor added, “but he needs rest. You can come back tomorrow.”
Lily didn’t want to leave, but William promised he’d be home soon.
“Mr. Sullivan,” William called out as Frank was leaving. “Thank you. Martha told me what you did. I was helpless, and I almost lost my daughter, but you stood up for her. I won’t forget that.”
“Just get better,” Frank smiled. “She needs her dad.”
Martha insisted that Frank stay at the Sterling estate for the night.
“I’ve known William since he was a boy; he’d want you here. You’re not going back to that cabin tonight,” she insisted.
“But my dog… Scout’s all alone,” Frank argued. He felt out of place in such a grand house.
“He’s a beautiful dog,” Lily said. “We’ll go get him tomorrow, right, Martha?”
“So, you’re a free man, Frank?” a neighbor asked, shaking his hand.
— “Sure am. Justice finally caught up.”
Scout came charging out of the yard and nearly knocked Frank over, licking his face.
“Easy, boy! I missed you too,” Frank laughed, hugging the dog.
Martha and Lily didn’t stay long, giving Frank some time to process everything. He had gone from a lonely ex-con to a local hero. He had tried to do the right thing, and it had almost cost him his freedom, but in the end, it had given him a new life.
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