Chapter 9 - The Promise of Tomorrow
Six months later, the town of Scranton had changed. The shipping yard was under new, federal-approved management. The corruption had been scrubbed clean.
More importantly, the house on Elm Street had changed. The front window was replaced, the walls were painted a bright, cheerful yellow, and the quiet, somber energy that had plagued the home for a decade was gone.
Chloe had officially transferred her nursing credits and was working at the local Scranton hospital. She no longer looked over her shoulder when she walked to her car. She no longer flinched at loud noises.
It was a crisp Saturday morning. Arthur was in the backyard, wearing his casual weekend flannel, standing over a barbecue grill. He flipped a row of burgers, whistling a tune he hadn't whistled since he was a young man.
Leo was sitting on the grass, holding a baseball mitt, eagerly waiting for his grandfather to finish cooking so they could play catch.
Helen stepped out onto the patio, carrying a tray of iced tea, her face radiant and relaxed. She set the tray down and wrapped her arms around Arthur’s waist from behind, resting her cheek against his back.
“Smells good, old man,” she teased.
Arthur chuckled, turning to kiss his wife. “Only the best for my family.”
May you like
Chloe watched them from the kitchen window, feeling a profound sense of peace settle over her soul. She touched the small silver locket around her neck—a locket containing the photograph of Marcus.
We did it, Marcus, she thought. They know the truth. Our boy is safe.
