Chapter 28 - Chapter 28 - The Silent Departure
The following morning broke with a clear, brilliant sky and a sharp spring frost that sparkled like diamond dust across the newly awakened lawns.
Maya stood by the front porch with Tony, who had the black SUV idling quietly in the circular drive. She looked back at the grand stone facade of the mansion one last time, taking in the sheer weight and history of the place where her father's ghost had finally been laid to rest.
"The car’s warmed up," Tony said, holding the passenger door open for her. "We’ll make sure you get to the station safely."
"Thank you, Tony," Maya said, offering him a small, genuine smile before sliding into the backseat.
I watched from the second-floor study window as the SUV rolled down the private drive, its tires crunching softly against the gravel before disappearing into the dense line of pine trees. The house felt suddenly still, returning to its natural rhythm of quiet isolation and watchful guardianship.
The young Cane Corso walked into the study, trotting over to my side and resting his heavy head against my knee. I reached down, my fingers sinking into his thick black fur, feeling the steady, powerful pulse of life beneath his skin.
May you like
"Just you and me again, old friend," I whispered.
Down in the garden, Silas was already back at work, turning the rich, dark soil under the morning sun, planting the seeds of a new season that would grow tall and strong long after the winter storms were completely forgotten.
