Chapter 10 - Dawn
Six months later.
The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the quiet coastal town in Maine. The air smelled of salt and freshly brewed coffee, a sharp contrast to the sterile, terrifying scents of airports and server rooms.
Evelyn sat on the porch of a beautiful, whitewashed cottage, a mug in her hands, watching the waves crash against the rocks. The news playing softly on the radio inside mentioned the ongoing federal trials of the former Vanguard executives. Arthur was facing life in a supermax prison. The Icarus project was dismantled, and the victims were being compensated.
The screen door squeaked open, and Leo walked out, dressed in his pajamas, rubbing sleep from his eyes. He didn't look like the terrified boy from the airport anymore. He looked peaceful. He looked like a normal kid.
He climbed onto the porch swing next to Evelyn and rested his head against her shoulder.
"Did you sleep okay?" Evelyn asked softly, wrapping her arm around him.
"Yeah," Leo mumbled, looking out at the endless, tranquil ocean. "Are we safe now, Mom?"
May you like
Evelyn smiled, a true, radiant smile that reached her hazel eyes. She squeezed him tight, breathing in the scent of her son. There were no more secrets, no more shadows, and no more running.
"Yes, Leo," she whispered to the rising sun. "We are finally home."
