C126 The Peace

The weeks after the trial were the quietest of Isabella's life.

She 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.

It was almost too peaceful.

"You're thinking too much," Sebastian said