Chapter 5

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That afternoon, Sarah made a promise to herself that she would never take anything or anyone for granted again. The lessons she had learned in the labyrinth weren't just about herself, but life lessons. She repeated them to herself in her head like a mantra.

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Life isn't fair.

Things aren't always what they seem.

Words have power.

Take responsibility.

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In the following days, both Robert and Karen noticed Sarah seemed to be a whole new person. She took care of Toby without prompting. She did chores and helped around the house. She was responsible. She was deliberate with her words. Her eyes now held this unknown wisdom.

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And the oddest thing was that she wouldn't touch peaches.

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Karen and Robert made sure to let Sarah know how much they were appreciating her. And so they observed. All further conversations with Sarah provided no clarity into what transpired that night and brought on this mature growth. All they could do was be thankful for the peace that seemed to settle over the house.

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As the weeks of summer passed, the family grew closer. And odd things began to happen whenever Sarah was emotional.

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Robert began to be hopeful. Could Sarah's magic be coming back? But how? And why? If so, why did it leave in the first place?

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And then it happened.