Chapter 19 - REMEMBERING SARAH
Later that afternoon, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting a soft pink and amber glow over the snowy yard, Ethan took the children to the quiet memorial park on the north side of town.
They walked together along the cleared stone path until they stopped before a beautiful granite bench beneath a large weeping willow tree. Engraved on the polished stone were the words:
SARAH CARTER A Loving Sister and Mother — Forever Guarding Our Hearts
Noah stepped forward, carefully placing a small bouquet of winter lilies beside the bench. Lily knelt down, gently setting a hand-drawn picture she had made—showing four figures holding hands under a bright yellow sun—right next to the flowers.
Ethan stood behind them, his boots crunching softly in the snow, his broad shoulders relaxed against the cool winter breeze. He reached down, taking both of his children's small hands into his broad, warm palms.
"She'd be so proud of you both," Ethan whispered, his voice thick with quiet emotion. "You were so brave."
"Aunt Sarah is watching us from the sky, right Dad?" Noah asked softly, looking up at his father's rugged jaw.
"Every single day, buddy," Ethan answered, squeezing Noah's hand gently. "And she knows you're safe."
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Lily looked up, her little face illuminated by the golden winter light. "Daddy's keeping the door open now."
Ethan looked down at his daughter, a gentle smile touching his lips. "That's right, Lily. The door stays open forever."
