CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY NINE – SHE IS FREE AT LAST

It had been nearly a year since she had experienced such bright, unfiltered daylight. Everything felt foreign yet beautifully overpowering in its warmth and brilliance. Kayla felt the brilliant sunlight warming her face as she stood outside the courthouse, drinking in her newfound freedom. For several long moments, she simply reveled in the sights, smells and vibrant energy she had been deprived of for so long. Then, a familiar voice made her whip around, heart leaping into her throat. "Kayla? Oh my sweet Kayla, is it really you?" She gasped at the sight of her mother, pale and gaunt from her treatments but still effusing an inner radiance of love and joy. Kayla's legs nearly gave out from under her as she rushed into Genevieve's trembling embrace, unleashing a torrent of pent-up emotions. "Mom...oh god, mom I never thought I'd see you again!" she sobbed, clinging to the frail woman with fierce desperation. "You're really here!" "Of course I'm here, darling," she cooed soothingly