Page 40 of Damian

Eagerness beams in her face, a flicker of light in the darkness. “What did she say?”

Damian steps forward, his presence commanding attention. “The last witch, she saw what the Somes did to you. She extended your curse as well, to continue to protect you.”

The light in Georgia’s expression dims, replaced by a shadow of despair. “So, that’s it. I’m…cursed…forever,” she mumbles.

“No, not at all. Your freedom came as soon as we defeated the herd,” Damian quickly reassures her.

Georgia’s forehead widens with disbelief and tentative hope. “I’m free?” she whispers, as if saying it out loud might shatter the fragile reality.

Damian nods, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Yes, Georgia. You’re free.”

Tears well in Georgia’s eyes. She looks over at Frank, who’s still watching her with a tender smile. “I can’t believe it,” she gasps, her voice choked with emotion. “All this time, I thought I’d never be free.”

“You are,” I say, stepping closer and taking her hand. “And we’re here with you, every step of the way.”

Georgia pulls us into a hug. The embrace seems to signify more than happiness but a weight lifting with the promise of a new beginning. Around us, the camp continues its lively activities, clearly unaware of the profound moment unfolding in our small circle.

She pulls away and glances in Frank’s direction again. Her face regards him with gratitude and affection. “He gave me my first chocolate bar today,” she declares, her expression tinged with wonder. “I’ve been saving it. I think I’ll try it now, as a celebration.”

Georgia wipes away her tears, and a radiant smile spreads across her face. The anticipation of tasting something so simple yet special adds an extra sparkle to her eyes.

She carefully pulls the chocolate bar from her pocket. The wrapper crinkling as she unwraps it. The rich, sweet aroma wafts through the air, and she appears to take a moment to savor the scent before breaking off a piece.

“I’ve heard so much about chocolate,” Georgia tells us, holding the piece up to the light as if examining a precious gem. “I can’t believe I’m finally going to taste it.”

She places the piece in her mouth. Her lids close as the chocolate melts on her tongue. A look of pure bliss spreads across her face, and she sighs with contentment.

“It’s even better than I imagined,” she whispers, opening her lids to look in Frank’s direction. He has another kid attached to his back while he skips around in a circle. “Thank you for this, Frank. It’s a perfect way to celebrate my freedom,” she says to him, even though he’s too far away to hear. Only he stops and nods at her, as if he’d heard every word.

Georgia breaks off another piece and offers it to me. “Here, share this moment with me,” she insists.

I take the piece and pop it into my mouth.

“You too.” She breaks off another piece and passes it to Damian. My heart melts a little more when he doesn’t refuse her.

“Thank you, Georgia,” he says with a kindness that I’ve only known from one other person.

Chapter 28

Emjay

Twenty-seven years ago

“Are you sure you want to move out, dear?” Mrs. Walker’s voice trembled slightly as she asked the question. Her orbs reflected concern and sadness. She was having a hard time coming to terms with the idea of being alone again. Only it was time. I’d finally saved up enough money for a down payment on my own apartment in the city. I even had money left over for everything I would need to furnish and supply my home. It took me a little longer because I’d saved up and bought a used car first, ensuring I had reliable transportation for my new life.

“Mrs. Walker, it’s just something I have to do,” I replied gently. I felt a pang of guilt at leaving her.

“I know, dear, but it won’t be the same without you,” she said. Her eyes misted over, and I could see how much my departure was affecting her.

Tina brought me to her mother’s house almost three years ago. I’d been lost and unsure of my future, but Tina, with her kind heart, took me under her wing. She got me a job in the janitorial department at the law firm where she worked. She also got the documents I needed to work. I never asked how she got them, and she never told me. But after learning more about her career as an attorney, I suspected she obtained them from a former client.

Our friendship didn’t grow after she assisted me. Not because she didn’t care about me, but because life had different plans for her. An opportunity for a partnership in a prestigious law firm in another state was presented to Tina—a dream come true for her. I was thrilled for her, even if it meant she had to move away.

With me moving in with her mom, Tina had the courage and freedom to follow her dreams. Her mom and I would look after each other, so she didn’t have to worry about our safety.

With Tina away, Mrs. Walker treated me as if I were her daughter too. She provided the stability and kindness I had longed for.

She never questioned where I’d been or why I didn’t know how to use any of the modern conveniences she owned. Mrs. Walker simply accepted me, patiently teaching me the ways of the world and how everything worked in her home. She showed me how to cook, clean, and even how to manage a budget—skills I had never had the chance to learn before.

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