They threw me and my six children out into the rain before my husband's grave was even dry. My father-in-law pointed to the door and said, "Your husband is dead. This house belongs to the family.

On the anniversary of Richard's death, Mara was on the porch with her children.

“Are we safe now?” asked Noah.

Mara looked at the house that was finally theirs again.

“Yes,” she replied.

And this time—

He meant it.

THE END