Chapter 17 - Returning to the Roots
Spring returned to Chicago with a vibrant, emerald warmth that brought the city’s lakefront parks back to life. Six months after the Montreal operation, my life had settled into a rhythm of quiet competence and hard-earned peace.
I received a formal letter from the Illinois Department of Financial Regulation promoting me to Chief Director of Special Investigations. With the promotion came a corner office overlooking the Chicago River and a mandate to overhaul the state's entire oversight protocol for senior care facilities.
One Saturday morning, while walking through Millennium Park, my phone buzzed. It was a local number I didn't recognize.
"Natalie Bennett?" a frail, familiar voice asked on the other end.
I stopped walking, my breath catching slightly in my throat. It was my mother.
"Yes, Mom," I said carefully.
"Allison and I... we're living in the North Side apartment now," she said, her voice trembling slightly with hesitation and old pride. "We saw your picture in the Tribune regarding the state appointment. We just wanted to say... we're proud of you."
I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the weight of years of estrangement wash over me like a receding tide.
"Thank you, Mom," I replied gently. "I hope you're both doing well."
May you like
"We are," she whispered. "If you ever have time... there's a pot of coffee waiting."
"I'll think about it," I said honestly, before gently ending the call.
