Chapter 9 - Back at the LakeOne year later, Eleanor returned to the lake.
She stood at the edge of the pier.
Tyler was there.
So was Robert.
The family waited quietly.
Eleanor looked at the water.
She was still afraid.
She didn't pretend otherwise.
Tyler approached her.
“Do you want to leave?”
Eleanor smiled.
“No.”
She stepped closer.
“I don't need to prove I'm fearless.”
She looked at the water.
“I only need to prove that what happened didn't own me.”
Tyler nodded.
A few seconds later, Eleanor sat at the edge of the pier.
She dipped one foot into the water.
Then the other.
Everyone held their breath.
She smiled.
“It isn't as cold as I remember.”
Tyler laughed softly.
“Grandma?”
“Yes?”
“I'm proud of you.”
She looked at him.
“And I'm proud of you.”
He looked surprised.
“Really?”
“You made a terrible mistake.”
“I know.”
“But you chose to become better afterward.”
May you like
Eleanor reached for his hand.
“That's what matters.”
