Hannah and Sophie climbed into their dependable little car.

Nathaniel offered to meet them for cocoa the next weekend if they wanted.

Sophie said yes before her mother could answer, then caught herself and looked at Hannah.

Hannah laughed.

“We’d love to.”

Nathaniel watched their taillights disappear down the street.

He went home to a house that still held quiet rooms, but no longer felt entirely disconnected from the world beyond them.

PART 22
The Anniversary of That Night