Chapter 10
Time seed to fly, and before long, it had been a month since Kathleen’s passing
Bowen visited Kathleen’s grave every single day. The always brought Candice, though the little girl was always reluctant.
“Daddy, why do we have to come here?” Candice asked, kicking at pebbles.
“Because someone who loves you is resting here,” Bowen answered gently.
Candice poured. “But she never played with me. Mommy Yvonne said the people who love me would always stay and play with me.”
Bowen’s heart shattered all over again. He had no idea how to explain to a five–year–old that the one who stayed was a liar and the one who did not play with her was a mother who had loved her with every breath.
Yvonne was sentenced to life in prison. Even in court, she insisted Kathleen had framed her. Yet, the evidence was overwhelming–no one believed her words.
Kathleen’s parents sold their home and moved to Flurotia. They said everything in New Aeravale reminded them too much of the daughter they lost. Before they left, Jolene knelt by Kathleen’s grave for a long time.
Through her tears, she said, “If there’s a next life, I swear I’ll only love you.”
Following Kathleen’s wishes, her gallery was donated to the Museum of Art. On opening day, a special memorial exhibit featuring pieces from her private collection was held in her name.
One painting stood out a little girl running barefoot along the beach, painted by Kathleen herself. There were some words on the back, in small handwriting.
