She looked at Timothy, who nodded without hesitation.
“If you’re willing, we’d like to adopt you. You’ll have your own room, a good school, and a family that loves you. You’ll never have to worry about where your next meal is coming from again.”
“Really? Like a real family?” Dana’s eyes filled with a hope she’d never dared to feel.
“Like a real family,” Elizabeth confirmed, pulling her into a hug. “You’re never going to be alone again.”
Six months later, the garden of the Sterling estate was filled with the sound of laughter. Dana, wearing a bright blue sundress, was playing on the grass with six-month-old Daniel, who was visiting for the weekend from his new adoptive home nearby. Timothy and Elizabeth sat on the patio with Leo, watching them.
“She’s a different person,” Timothy said, watching Dana. “That haunted look is completely gone.”
“She’s the best big sister they could have,” Elizabeth smiled.
Dana ran over to them, holding a dandelion she’d found, her face glowing with health and happiness.
“Mom, Dad! Are we ready for the movie tonight?”
“We sure are, honey. Let’s go inside.”
Dana smiled—a smile that erased years of pain. She had a home, people who cherished her, and a future. From having nothing, she had found everything that truly mattered.
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