Chapter 6 - SANCTUARY
David didn't turn around until he heard the soft click of the living room door.
Evelyn stayed on the floor, her hands pulled tight against her chest, watching as he knelt once more.
He didn't speak to her again.
He didn't offer a hand, nor did he look at the iron pan resting against the stone fireplace.
David scooped Maya up into his left arm, her small body instantly conforming to the curve of his chest.
With his right hand, he reached down and lifted Leo, balancing the boy against his hip.
Leo wrapped his arms around his father’s neck, burying his face in the collar of the utility jacket.
"Is the house angry at us, Daddy?" Leo asked quietly, his voice muffled by denim.
David turned his back on the room, walking toward the hallway exit.
"No, buddy," David said softly, his lips pressing into his son’s hair.
"The house is just empty."
"We're going home now."
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Behind them, the front door unlocked with a heavy, final click, letting in the cool, clean air of the night.
THE END
