Chapter 14 - An Empty Nest|
The house was entirely too quiet. For years, my life had been measured by the subtle sounds of Lily’s existence: the rhythmic thud of her footsteps on the stairs, the faint sound of pop music playing from behind her closed door, the clinking of cereal bowls in the kitchen at dawn. Now, there was only the low hum of the refrigerator and the ticking of the hallway clock.
I sat at the dining room table, staring at a cup of coffee that had gone cold twenty minutes ago.
"You are doing the dramatic staring thing again," Sarah's voice broke the silence.
I looked up to see the retired detective standing in my kitchen doorway, holding a brown paper bag that smelled strongly of fresh pastries. She had let herself in with the spare key I had given her years ago.
"I am merely adjusting to my new reality," I defended myself, standing up to fetch two fresh mugs.
"You are sulking," Sarah corrected, placing the bag on the table. "I brought croissants. The good ones from the bakery downtown. Eat one before you wither away from empty-nest syndrome."
"I spoke to her last night. She is doing well in her classes," I said, taking a pastry.
"Of course she is," Sarah smiled, pulling out a chair. "She is Anna's daughter. And yours. She is tough as nails."
"It's just strange, Sarah. My entire purpose for the last six years was keeping her safe. Building a fortress around her so Evelyn and Michael could never hurt her again. Now the fortress is empty, and I don't know what to do with the walls."
Sarah took a slow sip of her coffee, her sharp eyes studying me carefully.
"You stop being a bodyguard and you go back to being a person," she stated flatly. "Anna didn't want you to stop living just to keep Lily breathing. She wanted you both to have actual lives."
"It is easier said than done."
"Everything worth doing is. Have you considered taking up a hobby? Woodworking? Golf? Maybe dating?"
I nearly choked on my coffee at the last suggestion.
May you like
"I think I will start with something simpler," I coughed. "Like reading a book that isn't about legal trusts or child psychology."
"That is a healthy start," Sarah laughed, patting my arm. "The quiet isn't a threat anymore. It just means the war is over. You are allowed to enjoy the peace now. You earned it."
