Chapter 51: The Gathering Strength
The next morning arrived with a soft drizzle, the kind that made the world feel muted and thoughtful. Emery stood at the kitchen sink, watching raindrops slide down the window in slow, wandering paths. The cabin felt unusually quiet — not empty, just contemplative.
Brent was at the table, the county letter spread out in front of him. He wasn’t staring at it with dread or anger. He was studying it. Understanding it. Preparing for it.
Callahan Jr. sat on the floor with his blocks, building a tower that leaned dangerously to one side. Every few minutes he’d glance up at Brent, as if checking to make sure the world was still steady.
Emery dried her hands and walked over to the table. “You’ve been staring at that letter for twenty minutes.”
Brent huffed a
