Epilogue: the commander's salvation
The little girl ran right through the riverside and into the small clearing next to it. Her short, thick, auburn hair was like a small cascade of dark red wool; her childish, sweet laugh echoed through the place like an elusive fairy.
She was an elusive fairy.
"Catch me if you can!" Her playful invitation was drowned by a big gasp as she gathered speed to race towards the nearby forest.
She was fast, but with her small legs, she had no chance of getting away. The woman easily caught up with her, and snatched up the girl. Her reward was a cheerful scream.
"You caught me!" The girl's happy laughter was a sweet song for the woman. She sat down with her in the soft grass of the clearing, and turned the girl around to face her. She glanced over her auburn hair, soft and mild features, strong lips and big, blue eyes.
The girl wrapped her arms around the woman's neck and nestled her head deep into her neck.
"I love you mom."
The woman kissed her forehead and tightened her hug.
"I love you too, Suki."
The woman buried her face in the girl's thick hair. She could feel the soft hair passing over her face, without catching on a scar. As long as she was with the girl, the woman had no scars.
In the cabin, the Commander turned over in her bed. She was sleeping peacefully, enjoying her sweet dream. She had finally caught the girl, held her in her arms, looked into her eyes and kissed her forehead. After fifteen years, the Commander had resettled the biggest mistake she'd ever made. She had dissipated her greatest regret and scattered her greatest burden.
She had finally reunited with her own daughter.
