Chapter 6 - Leaving the Hall
Julian stood up, extending a hand down to Elena.
Elena hesitated for a fraction of a second, looking at her soapy palm.
Then she placed her hand in his.
He pulled her up gently, steadying her as her stiff knees wobbled.
With his other hand, Julian picked up the little girl, resting her against his chest.
The child immediately tucked her head into his shoulder, her small shoes dangling over his suit jacket.
They turned their backs on the grand double staircases.
The woman in red remained standing by the banister, motionless, like a discarded statue.
As they reached the heavy mahogany front doors, Elena paused.
She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out the yellow wooden duck with the broken beak.
She placed it gently on the edge of a polished side table near the exit.
"Why are you leaving Duckie?" the little girl asked from Julian’s arms.
"Duckie belongs to the old house," Elena replied softly, her voice steady and clear.
"We don't need broken things where we are going."
Julian pushed open the heavy oak doors, letting the bright, cold sunlight pour into the dim foyer.
May you like
They stepped out onto the wide stone porch together.
Behind them, the front door clicked shut with a heavy, final thud.
