January 15th on the old calendar-Briony's mother, Julia Hudson, was finally coming home.

Stella had taken the day off to go with Briony to pick up Julia.

The weather forecast had been spot on: the day was glorious, clear and bright.

Sunlight broke through the thick winter clouds and spilled across the ground, turning the snow into a dazzling sea of diamonds.

Outside the gates of Northborough's women's prison, Briony stood wrapped in a cream-colored wool coat. She looked delicate, her long, silky hair swaying gently in the wind.

"Star, what time is it?" Briony's eyes were fixed on the towering brick walls ahead, her tightly clasped hands betraying her nerves.

Stella gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It's only eight-thirty. She'll be out soon. Try not to worry."

As the words left her lips, the heavy iron gate rattled.

A smaller side door swung open.

Briony's eyelashes fluttered. She broke into a run.

"Mom!"

Julia paused in surprise when she saw her, but her face quickly broke into a smile. "Bryn, you're here."

the young guard said kindly, then turned

clanged shut behind

been carrying over Julia's shoulders. "Mom, I'm here to take

She stared for a moment before recognition dawned. "Star, is

Bryn and I came to bring you

"You're a good girl. I don't know what Bryn would've done without

together-we're practically sisters. Don't feel bad. Let's get you home first. Bryn bought a new place and

home." Julia took Briony's hand in one of hers, Stella's in the other. When she smiled,

Dolphin Cove.

elevator chimed as it reached the top floor, and the doors

and lit the fireplace, positioning it right by the entrance. "Julia!

nodded and stepped over the

her mother cross the threshold into the home she'd so lovingly prepared. In that moment,

away, quickly wiping her face with the back of her

years—she had finally brought her mother out of that cold, unforgiving

Just the two of them, mother and

tour of the new apartment, showing off

folded on the bed-Briony had picked them out herself. Stella handed them to Julia with

shower and change into something fresh? Later, Bryn and I will take you out for a

held them in

long moment, she stood there, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Bryn has

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255