Chapter 18 - The New Cabin
Two years later.
The air in Oregon was crisp and smelled of pine and fresh rain. I stood on the porch of the beautiful, permanent log cabin I had built with my own hands over the last eighteen months. It wasn't on wheels. It was anchored deep into the bedrock. It wasn't going anywhere.
Inside, the fireplace crackled with a comforting warmth. I walked into the kitchen, pulling a tray of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven.
"Leo!" I called out. "Snack time!"
Footsteps thundered down the wooden stairs. Leo was ten now. He was taller, stronger, and the haunted look in his eyes had slowly faded, replaced by the bright curiosity of a child who finally felt safe. He grabbed a cookie, tossing it playfully from hand to hand because it was too hot.
"Can we go down to the lake after this?" he asked, blowing on the cookie.
"Only if you finish your math homework first," I smiled, leaning against the counter.
May you like
"Done. Did it on the bus ride home," he grinned, taking a massive bite.
I looked at him, truly looked at him, and felt a profound sense of peace wash over my soul. We had walked through the darkest valley of human betrayal, but we had come out the other side into the light.
