Chapter 37 - The Final Walkthrough
The morning of the departure, the car was fully packed.
Sophie stood in the hallway of the creaky, beautiful old house, looking around at the walls that had sheltered her through her darkest and brightest days.
She touched the doorframe of the kitchen, remembering the mornings she learned to eat without fear. She looked at the living room corner where the piano sat, remembering the nights she learned to speak without words.
Richard walked up behind her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"You can always come back, you know,"
Richard said softly.
"This house isn't going anywhere."
"I know, Dad,"
Sophie smiled, turning to look at him.
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"But I don't need it to keep me safe anymore. I'm taking the safety with me."
She hugged him tightly, breathing in the familiar scent of coffee and aftershave. She was ready.
