In the months that followed, Ethan began college. He called often. Not for updates. Not for favors. Just to talk.
Daniel remained distant. Laura kept her space. It hurt sometimes, but it was honest.
I found peace in small routines. Gardening. Writing letters. Supporting causes that mattered. I learned that peace doesn’t come from being surrounded by people, but from being valued by the right ones.
That lottery win didn’t just change my finances. It gave me clarity.
