Six months later the local county court held the final trial.
Sarah sat at the defense table in a navy jumpsuit.
She pleaded guilty to child endangerment and kidnapping charges today.
The judge looked down from his bench with a stern expression.
He listened to testimony from doctors and local police officers involved.
Daniel stood at podium to speak on behalf of children.
Daniel: My daughters deserve a life free from terror.
Judge: The defendant will serve twenty years in prison.
Sarah put her hands over her face while crying quietly.
The bailiffs led her away through side door of courtroom.
Daniel felt a heavy weight lift off his chest completely.
He turned around and walked out into sunny morning air.
Lily and Maya waited for him on court steps outside.
They held small paper bags with ice cream cones inside.
Lily looked up at sky and took a deep breath.
Lily: It feels so nice to be out here, Dad.
Daniel: The world is wide open for you girls now.
Maya: Let's go home and finish painting the room!
Daniel laughed and wrapped his arms around his growing girls.
They walked down steps toward their car parked near street.
The nightmare was finally over for their strong little family.
They had surviving the dark and found their way back.
They drove away together into a bright and hopeful future.