All Chapters of Scars She Carries, Love She Deserves: Chapter 21

Chapter Twenty-One — Paper BoatsLila loved the rain.It was a Saturday morning, and puddles lined the sidewalks like little lakes. Jack helped her fold paper boats from magazine pages while Elena watched from the porch swing, coffee in hand and heart unexpectedly light.They were making a memory—one that didn’t hurt.Lila ran ahead, giggling as her boats floated down the curb stream. Her rain boots splashed, her cheeks pink from the cold."Watch this one, Mommy!"Elena laughed. "I’m watching, baby."Jack joined her on the swing, damp curls plastered to his forehead. "She beat me. Again.""She always wins," Elena said, eyes shining.They sat in silence for a moment, listening to the water, the sky.Then Elena said, "Do you think she’ll remember the bad parts?"Jack didn’t pretend to have an easy answer. "She’ll remember pieces. But they won’t be the only ones. You’re giving her new ones every day."They had almost forgotten what day it was.By late morning, Elena was dressing Lila in