Chapter 20 – Phoenix Rising

The riverfront festival pulsed with music, murals, and lanterns drifting into the dusk sky.

Children ran between booths, their cheeks streaked with paint and joy. Laughter echoed off the brick walls, the sound rich and full.

Elaine stood barefoot on a step stool, painting the final stroke of a phoenix’s outstretched wing across the side of the art center.

The bird soared—bright, fierce, reborn.

A small voice called, “Miss Anna, your shirt!”

She looked down—paint smeared across her belly.

A belly that now curved gently beneath her overalls.

She laughed. “It’s just part of the art.”

---

Inside, adoption paperwork for twin girls waited on her desk.

Two sisters rescued from a trafficking ring she’d helped dismantle.

She and James hadn’t planned for this.

But they chose it.

Together.

---

He adjusted the stage lights nearby, a smear of blue on his cheek and a quiet smile on his lips.

Someone tried to hand him a microphone.

He declined, pointing to Elaine. “Let her speak.”