Chapter 6 - The Sanctuary of the Stars
Six months later, the mountains of Western North Carolina were painted in the vibrant reds, oranges, and golds of autumn.
High on a ridge overlooking the valley, far away from the dark history of Sterling Falls, sat a beautiful, newly built log cabin. The wide porch faced the sunset, where the light of the fading day cast a warm, amber glow over the valley below.
Lily sat on the porch swing, her legs dangling, a sketchpad resting on her knees. Her left leg was straight, the brace gone, her movements fluid and free of pain. She was drawing a picture of the cabin, her fingers—no longer covered in plaster—moving with a light, artistic grace.
Beside her, a large, gentle golden retriever lay with his head on her lap, his tail wagging slowly as she scratched his ears.
The door of the cabin opened, and Marcus stepped out, carrying two cups of hot apple cider. He wore a flannel shirt and comfortable jeans, his face relaxed, the sharp, hyper-vigilant lines of the combat soldier finally softened by peace.
He handed a cup to Lily, sitting down on the swing beside her.
"What are you drawing, Lily?" he asked, looking over her shoulder.
"Our house," she said, pointing to the drawing. "And look, Dad. I drew the windows."
Marcus looked at the sketch. The windows of the cabin were large, open, and filled with bright, warm yellow light. There were no heavy velvet drapes. There were no curtains to close.
"It’s beautiful, baby," Marcus whispered, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her close against his side.
"Dad?" Lily looked up at him, her dark eyes clear, the shadows of that terrible night finally gone, replaced by the bright, hopeful light of a child who knew she was cherished.
"Yes, Lily?"
"The windows here are so big," she said, leaning her head against his chest. "We can see everything."
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Marcus looked out over the mountains, where the first stars of the evening were beginning to twinkle through the clear, crisp air.
"Yes, we can, Lily," Marcus said, his voice filled with a deep, boundless peace. "And we are always going to keep them open."
