Chapter 17 - The Basement
Liam returned to the cottage. The sun was beginning to set, casting long, dark shadows over the cliffs.
He unlocked the front door and walked into the quiet house.
"Lily?" he called out softly. "Sunshine."
He walked to the hidden panel under the stairs and knocked twice.
The panel slid open, and Lily peeked out, clutching her stuffed rabbit tightly. Her eyes were wide with fear.
"Papa?"
"It's over, sweetie," Liam said, kneeling down and pulling her into a fierce, protective embrace. "The game of hide and seek is over. You won."
Lily buried her face in his neck, her tiny arms wrapping around him.
"Were the bad guys here?" she whispered.
"They were," Liam admitted honestly. "But they are gone now. And they are never coming back."
He picked her up and carried her into the kitchen. He didn't want to hide anymore. He wanted to show her that their home was safe. He turned on all the lights, filling the cottage with warmth.
"How about pancakes for dinner?" Liam asked, wiping a tear from her cheek.
May you like
"With chocolate chips?" Lily asked, a tentative smile breaking through her fear.
"With extra chocolate chips," Liam promised.
