Lily woke on the third day.
The family doctor said the Ferraro blood formula had neutralized most of the drugs in her system.
She would live.
But twelve years of “treatments” had carved scars into her body that could never be erased.
Her liver and kidneys functioned at only half the strength they should.
She would need medication for the rest of her life.
I sat beside her bed and held her hand.
When she opened her eyes, the first thing she said was still:
“Big sister... Papa will be angry.”
My heart clenched.
“Lily, he’ll never touch you again.”
“What about the medicine?”
Her voice was small.
“I didn’t take it.”
“You’ll never have to take that medicine again.”
I pulled her into my arms.
“I promise.”
“When this is over, I’ll take you to see the real ocean.”
“Not that fake
