Chapter 38 - Returning Home
|
One week later.
The morning sun broke over the English countryside, burning away the gentle mist hovering over the green hills. The quiet estate was peaceful once again, the tactical vehicles gone, replaced by the soft sounds of nature.
I sat on the veranda in my favorite lounge chair, wrapped in a soft blanket, holding a warm cup of chamomile tea.
Beside me, in her white baby bassinet, slept Maya. She was growing stronger every day, her tiny chest rising and falling in a rhythmic, peaceful sleep.
Dad walked out onto the veranda, wearing his favorite old flannel shirt, carrying a wooden toy he had finished carving—a tiny wooden sailboat with Maya's name etched into the side.
He set the toy inside the bassinet, smiling warmly before leaning down to kiss the top of my head.
"She's sleeping well today," Dad murmured, taking a seat beside me and looking out over the manicured garden.
"She knows she's safe," I smiled, reaching out to hold his hand. "We all are."
"I spoke with the board this morning," Dad said. "The restructuring of the company is moving ahead smoothly. The press is calling you the most revolutionary tech leader of the decade."
May you like
"I don't care about the press, Dad," I replied, looking down at my daughter. "I just want her to grow up in a world where she doesn't have to look over her shoulder."
"She won't," Marcus promised, his voice filled with absolute conviction. "I'll make sure of it."
