C119 The New Normal

The weeks after Genevieve's sentencing were quiet.

Isabella woke each morning to the sound of waves, to Lucas's laughter, to Lily's babbling. She worked in the garden, read stories to the children, and made pancakes on Sundays. The shelter thrived, the threats stopped, and the residents slept peacefully.

But something was different.

Damien had pulled back not physically, but emotionally