The house was small but solid. White walls. A yard with grass. Doors that locked. Windows that opened.
Ethan ran through the rooms laughing, breathing freely for the first time in months. Lily opened a window and leaned out, laughing as if the air itself was new.
Maria stood frozen in the doorway, crying quietly, hands over her mouth.
Andrew watched them, something inside him breaking and rebuilding at the same time.
He finally understood.
Wealth meant nothing if it blinded you. And sometimes, following someone home was enough to change everything.
