Ernest sighed, rubbing his temples with a hand that spoke volumes of frustration.

“Ernest,” Eric’s voice broke the silence. He approached slowly, shaking his head as he watched Savannah disappear.

He felt that Savannah was immovable—like granite in human form.

After a brief pause, Eric exhaled and gave a slight shrug. “Well… I should head out.” After all, Hadley and Joy were waiting for him at home, and he didn’t want to keep them waiting.

“Of course,” Ernest replied with a nod of gratitude. “And thank you—for everything today.”

“Don’t mention it,” Eric said, offering a small, tired smile before turning to leave.

In the quiet of the car, Elissa held Locke tightly against her. He nestled into her embrace, his face buried in her shoulder, mumbling softly—broken words threaded with exhaustion and emotion.

She supported him with one arm and carefully cradled his injured arm with the other, answering each mumbled word with soothing hums and gentle replies.

Across from them, Ernest sat in silence, watching the scene unfold. His gaze lingered on the two of them—mother and son, finally together again. A part of him longed for this fragile, perfect moment to never end.

Outside the grand Flynn Mansion entrance, Ernest opened the car door and reached out to Locke with a gentle smile.

“Come on, Locke. Mommy’s too exhausted to hold you any longer. This is home. Mommy’s not going anywhere. Let Daddy hold you, alright?”

“Okay,” Locke mumbled, his lips pursed in a small pout, but he let Ernest scoop him up without protest. He turned to Elissa, his voice insistent. “Mommy, you’re coming too, right? All of us together!”

“Of course,” Elissa replied with a nod, staying close to Ernest so Locke could keep her in sight.

Once inside the sprawling house, they climbed the stairs and settled Locke into his bedroom.

Discover your next read at g?lnσν?s﹒com

Ernest lingered, his tone earnest as he turned to Elissa. “Hadley’s room has been preserved exactly as it was. It’s dusted daily. I’ll have it freshened up so you can stay there comfortably.”

The estate had no shortage of guest rooms, but none matched those of the family members’ private quarters.

“Some of Hadley’s clothes and things are also there. Since you two are fine sharing, you’re welcome to use them if you need—”

“No need,” Elissa interrupted, shaking her head before he could go on.

Her focus shifted to Locke. “I’m here to take care of Locke. I’ll sleep in his room. That’s all I need.”

Her stay was temporary—Savannah would arrive in two days to take her back.

Ernest paused, then managed a tight smile. “Alright, if that’s what you want.”

“Mommy…” Locke’s voice came from the bed, small and plaintive. “I’m thirsty. Can I have ice cream?”

.

.

.