But that afternoon, he cried against my shoulder.
Mom joined us.
For a few seconds, none of us spoke.
Behind us, Fiona quietly stood.
She looked at the three of us.
Then she walked toward the door.
“Dad?”
He turned.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me.”
Dad nodded.
“Good.”
She swallowed.
“But someday… I hope I can earn your trust again.”
Dad looked at her for a long moment.
“Then start by telling the truth.”
Fiona nodded.
“I will.”
She walked outside.
I watched her cross the porch and disappear down the driveway behind the officers.
Then I closed the door.
The house became quiet again.
Not the frightened silence from earlier.
A peaceful one.
Mom walked toward the kitchen.
“Lucas?”
“Yeah?”
She smiled through her tears.
“Would you stay for dinner?”
