Enthrall

Chapter2

Memories and Moving Forward

Evie

That night, after Edward and Lizzie had gone to their rooms, I found myself standing in Mom's old study. I hadn't been in here for months, but something about today made me need to be close to her.

Her medical books still lined the shelves, and her favorite coffee mug sat exactly where she'd left it on her last day home. "Dr. Sarah Jones - Pediatric Surgeon" was engraved on a small plaque that still sat on her desk.

I picked up the framed photo of the four of us from her last birthday. We'd surprised her with a cake from her favorite bakery, and she'd cried happy tears because she thought we'd forgotten. Mom had moved us to Zambia when I was eighteen because she wanted to make a difference, to help children who didn't have access to proper medical care. She'd been brilliant, passionate, and completely devoted to both her work and us.

"I wish you could see what we've built, Mom," I whispered to the photo. "I wish you could see how strong Lizzie and Edward have become."

The truth was, I wasn't sure I was ready for this next step. Being responsible for my siblings was one thing, but now I was about to be responsible for hundreds of employees, millions of pounds, and a brand that people around the world recognized.

My phone buzzed with a text from Edward: "Proud of you, sis. Mom would be too."

Sometimes my little brother surprised me with how perceptive he could be.