The house looked smaller than she remembered.
Maybe it was the distance. Maybe it was perspective.
Maybe it was finally being free.
Edison parked at the curb but didn't step out.
“I'll wait here," he said.
Stella nodded. “Fifteen minutes."
“Take your time."
She shook her head. “I don't need more."
---
Andrew opened the door before she knocked.
He looked… quieter.
Older around the eyes. The sharpness still present, but dulled at the edges. The kind of aging that doesn't show up in the skin—but in posture.
“Thank you for coming," he said.
“I'm not here for conversation," she replied.
He stepped aside.
The entryway was the same. Marble floors. Clean scent. Too quiet.
She walked in without hesitation.
On the foyer table sat a small box, neatly tied with silver ribbon.
“I foun
