Chapter 17 - A Year of Healing
A year passed since the dramatic arrest that changed their lives.
Arthur continued driving his yellow school bus through the familiar neighborhoods.
He greeted every child with a warm smile and a watchful eye.
He knew now that evil could hide behind perfectly manicured lawns and polite smiles.
One brisk morning, a familiar face stepped onto the bus.
It was Maya.
She looked completely different.
She stood taller, her head held high, a bright smile illuminating her face.
She wasn't hiding behind oversized sweaters or dark sunglasses anymore.
"Good morning, Mr. Pendelton," she said cheerfully.
"Good morning, Maya," Arthur replied, his heart swelling with joy.
She took a seat near the front, chatting excitedly with a new friend.
She no longer sat alone in silence.
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She no longer checked the vent under her seat.
The shadows of her past were slowly fading away.
