Weeks later, Jessica moved to a nearby neighborhood and started teaching at my daughter’s school. We often sit together on the storm shelter steps, the place where our story began, talking about the years we lost and the future we’re building. We can’t change the past, but we’ve chosen to move forward as sisters and friends. Family isn’t just about shared blood—it’s about showing up, staying, and making room for love. And in my heart, there will always be room for Jessica.