PART 7

Christopher’s physical injuries healed steadily over time.

The cut above his eyebrow faded into a thin white scar, his strength returned, and he regained the weight he had lost during his captivity, but the emotional wounds required far more time.

He sold the home he had shared with Valerie and never stepped foot inside it again.

Moving crews packed his essential belongings under police supervision.

Christopher kept only a few personal boxes containing family records, engineering textbooks, his father’s metal tool case, and a blue ceramic bowl Martha had given him years ago.