Chapter 2 - The Woman in the Ravine
Julian left the police to deal with the screaming housekeeper and walked out into the cool morning air.
He bypassed the perfectly manicured lawns and headed straight for the wild, untamed ravine behind his property.
The iron gate that secured the perimeter was locked, but he carried the heavy master key in his pocket.
He pushed it open, the rusted hinges whining in protest against the intrusion.
The descent was steep and treacherous, filled with loose rocks and thorny bushes that tore at his clothes.
Julian did not care about his expensive Italian shoes or his tailored, imported suit.
He only cared about finding the woman who had saved his little girls from starving in the dark.
At the bottom of the ravine, hidden beneath the shadow of a massive oak tree, he spotted a faded blue tarp.
It was strung between two thick branches, creating a makeshift tent against the damp, cold earth.
"Hello?" Julian called out, keeping his hands visible to show he meant no harm.
The tarp shifted, and the older woman from the security footage cautiously emerged.
She looked terrified, clutching the same battered enamel pot tightly against her chest as if it were a shield.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, taking a nervous step back into the shadows.
"I know I shouldn't have been near the fence, but the little ones were crying so hard I couldn't just ignore it."
Julian felt hot tears sting his own eyes.
He fell to his knees in the dirt, completely surrendering his massive pride.
"Don't apologize to me," Julian choked out, his voice breaking with raw emotion.
"You are the only person in this entire world who showed them mercy."
The woman blinked in surprise, slowly lowering the metal pot.
"My name is Julian Ashford, and I want to thank you for keeping my daughters alive," he said.
He looked at her worn sweater, her tangled hair, and her exhausted, kind eyes.
"Please, tell me your name."
May you like
She hesitated for a long moment before answering him.
"My name is Sarah," she said softly.
