Chapter 10 - BRIGHT HORIZONS
The sun was dipping low below the western horizon, painting the Pacific Ocean in brilliant shades of violet, amber, and deep rose.
Back at the craftsman home by the coast, the porch was quiet. A gentle evening breeze rustled the wind chimes hanging from the eaves, filling the air with a soft, musical chime that blended with the rhythmic crashing of the waves.
Lucas stood at the railing of the back deck, holding a mug of coffee, watching the shifting colors of the sky. The phone in his pocket had buzzed an hour ago with the final confirmation from the state department of corrections: Evelyn had been transferred to maximum security, her isolation protocols fully established. The chapter was closed. The book was shut.
The screen door slid open behind him.
Lily walked out, carrying two small blankets. She handed one to Lucas, draping the other over her own shoulders as she leaned against the wooden railing beside him.
"It's getting cold," she noted quietly, though she didn't make a move to go inside.
"Just a little," Lucas agreed, pulling his blanket tight around his chest. He looked down at her, seeing not the fragile, frightened child who had lived in the dark for five years, but a brilliant, fierce young girl who had survived the worst humanity had to offer and come out the other side shining.
"Dad?" Lily asked, her bright, clear eyes turning to meet his.
"Yeah, kiddo?"
"Are we going to be okay?"
May you like
Lucas smiled, a warm, complete smile that reached all the way to his eyes. He reached out, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her tight against his side as the first evening stars began to pierce the twilight sky.
"We're already better than okay," Lucas said softly. "We're home."
