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The boiling oil hit my skin before I even understood what my mother-in-law had done / Chapter 10 / 10

Chapter 10 - The Horizon of Healing

The grand reopening of the Vance Burn Recovery Wing was a celebration attended by the city’s entire medical community. The independent ventilation lines had been dismantled, replaced by state-of-the-art therapeutic chambers and a world-class research lab dedicated to treating children with severe injuries.

Claire stood at the podium in the center of the new lobby, dressed in a beautiful emerald-green gown that proudly revealed the edge of the scar tissue on her collarbone. She didn't hide it with high collars or scarves anymore; it was a badge of honor, a testament to her survival.

"We built this place to heal," Claire announced to the applauding crowd. "Not for profit, not for prestige, but because every body deserves a chance to recover from the fire."

As the crowd mingled, Dr. Ethan Hale approached her, handing her a glass of champagne. "A beautiful speech, Director Vance."

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"I had a very good doctor to help me find the words," Claire smiled, clinking her glass against his.

"I think the doctor just provided the bandages," Ethan murmured, his voice warm. "The strength was entirely yours."

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