Chapter 9: Building Bridges
The nonprofit, which Allison named Phoenix Rising, quickly gained traction. The name was a nod to rising from the ashes, a symbol of hope and renewal. Within months, the organization had helped dozens of people—victims of corruption, abuse, and exploitation. Allison poured her heart into the work, and it showed. The center became a sanctuary, a place where people could find support, resources, and a fresh start.
But as the organization grew, so did the challenges. Funding was always a concern, and Allison often found herself juggling multiple roles—leader, fundraiser, counselor, and more. It was exhausting, but it was also fulfilling in a way she hadn’t expected. For the first time in years, she felt like she was making a real difference.
One afternoon, as she was reviewing budgets in her office, Marcus walked in, a folder in hand. “You’ve got to see this,” he said, placing it on her desk.
Allison opened the folder and scanned the contents. It was a proposal from a major philanthropic foundation, offering a substantial grant to support Phoenix Rising. Her eyes widened. “This is incredible. How did you manage this?”
Marcus grinned. “I didn’t. They reached out to us. Word’s getting around about what we’re doing here. People want to be part of it.”
Allison leaned back in her chair, a smile spreading across her face. “This could change everything. We could expand, open more centers, help even more people.”
“Exactly,” Marcus said. “But it’s going to mean more work. Are you ready for that?”
She nodded without hesitation. “I’ve never been more ready.”
The grant allowed Phoenix Rising to grow faster than Allison had imagined. They opened two new centers in neighboring cities and launched outreach programs to connect with communities in need. Allison’s days were busier than ever, but she thrived on the energy and purpose the work gave her.
One evening, after a long day of meetings, Allison returned to her apartment to find a package waiting for her. It was a small, unmarked box with no return address. She hesitated before opening it, her mind racing with possibilities.
Inside was a simple silver bracelet and a note. The handwriting was familiar, sending a chill down her spine.
“You’ve done well, Allison. But remember, the past never stays buried.”
The note wasn’t signed, but she didn’t need a name to know who it was from. Colton. Even from behind bars, he was trying to unsettle her.
Allison stared at the bracelet, her heart pounding. She thought about calling Marcus or the police, but she quickly dismissed the idea. Colton was powerless now, and she refused to let him control her anymore.
She tossed the bracelet and the note into the trash, her resolve hardening. The past could try to haunt her, but she was done living in its shadow.
The next morning, Allison arrived at the center to find a small crowd gathered outside. At first, she thought it was a protest, but as she got closer, she realized it was something else entirely.
A woman stepped forward, her eyes filled with tears. “Ms. Clarke, I just wanted to thank you. Because of Phoenix Rising, I got my life back. You saved me.”
Allison was speechless. One by one, others in the crowd shared their stories—stories of survival, resilience, and hope. They had all been helped by the organization, and they had come to show their gratitude.
By the time the last person had spoken, Allison’s eyes were glistening with tears. She had never expected this kind of recognition, and it overwhelmed her in the best possible way.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice trembling. “Your strength is what inspires me every day. This organization isn’t about me—it’s about all of us, coming together to lift each other up.”
The crowd erupted into applause, and for the first time in a long time, Allison felt a deep sense of belonging. She had built something meaningful, something that would outlast her. And that was worth more than any victory over Colton.
As the weeks went by, Allison continued to pour her energy into Phoenix Rising. The organization became a beacon of hope, not just for the people it helped, but for Allison herself. She had found her purpose, and it gave her a sense of peace she hadn’t known in years.
One evening, as she was locking up the center, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Marcus: “You’ve built something amazing here. Don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy it.”
Allison smiled and typed back: “I will. But there’s still so much more to do.”
She stepped outside, the cool night air brushing against her face. The city lights sparkled in the distance, a reminder of how far she had come. The past was behind her, and the future was full of possibilities.
Colton’s shadow was gone, replaced by the light of a new beginning. Allison had built bridges—not just for others, but for herself. And she was ready to keep moving forward, one step at a time.