Chapter 24

January 15th on the old calendar-Briony's mother, Julia Hudson, was finally coming home.

Stella had taken the day off to go with Briony to pick up Julia.

The weather forecast had been spot on: the day was glorious, clear and bright.

Sunlight broke through the thick winter clouds and spilled across the ground, turning the snow into a dazzling sea of diamonds.

Outside the gates of Northborough's women's prison, Briony stood wrapped in a cream-colored wool coat. She looked delicate, her long, silky hair swaying gently in the wind.

"Star, what time is it?" Briony's eyes were fixed on the towering brick walls ahead, her tightly clasped hands betraying her nerves.

Stella gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It's only eight-thirty. She'll be out soon. Try not to worry."

As the words left her lips, the heavy iron gate rattled.

A smaller side door swung open.

Briony's eyelashes fluttered. She broke into a run.

"Mom!"

Julia paused in surprise when she saw her, but her face quickly broke into a smile. "Bryn, you're here."

young guard said kindly, then turned and walked back

gate clanged

the down jacket she'd been carrying over Julia's shoulders. "Mom, I'm

at Stella. She stared for a moment

"It's me! Bryn and I came to bring you

grasped Stella's hand, holding on tight. "You're a good girl. I don't know what Bryn would've done without

don't have to thank me! Bryn and I grew up together-we're practically sisters. Don't feel bad. Let's get you home first. Bryn bought a new place and decorated

hers, Stella's in the other. When

Dolphin Cove.

it reached the top floor, and

and lit the fireplace, positioning it right by the entrance. "Julia! Step

she nodded and stepped over

so lovingly prepared. In that moment, emotion overwhelmed her; tears spilled down her cheeks before she could

wiping her face with the back of her

her mother out of that cold, unforgiving place, back into a home

Kensingtons. No Hudsons. Just the two of

of the new apartment, showing off every cozy corner, before finally bringing her

had picked them

fresh? Later,

and held them

her voice barely more than a whisper.

that

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