CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
Riley watched as the sun began to peek over the distant horizon. The glow of the Phoenix became brighter as Brian stepped closer and the Phoenix seemed to expand. The glow encompassed Brian’s figure. Riley could hear the sounds of Mitsuko as she reached the summit behind him.
As the sun rose above the horizon, the blue, green, and red moons moved one by one into position. As the red moon moved last into alignment a burst of energy came from the Phoenix. When Riley could see again, the tree and the Phoenix were gone, and Brian stood alone in the clearing.
Brian reached down and touched the ground where the tree had stood. After a moment, a green sprout showed above the dirt. Then he turned to face Riley.
“Brian,” Riley asked. “Are you okay?”
Brian smiled warmly, “I a
