Madeline Comes Back
Chapter 17 - Madeline Comes Back
Six months later, Madeline returned from Europe.
She had changed.
She had started working with an organization protecting whistleblowers and families affected by corporate fraud.
She visited Claire.
“I brought something for the boys.”
Three small toy airplanes.
Claire smiled.
“They’ll love them.”
Madeline hesitated.
“How is Nathan?”
“Learning.”
“And you?”
“Also learning.”
Madeline understood immediately.
“You love him.”
Claire looked away.
“I never completely stopped.”
Madeline smiled sadly.
“I think he never stopped either.”
Claire expected jealousy.
There was none.
Madeline had discovered something during her months away.
Love did not become meaningless just because it ended.
She had loved Nathan.
He had loved her.
But sometimes two good people met while standing inside a story that belonged to someone else.
Madeline hugged Claire before leaving.
“Don’t waste another six years because you’re afraid someone will judge the ending.”
May you like
Claire remembered those words.
Especially when Nathan appeared at her door that evening.
