The morning sun cast long shadows across the community as James stood at the edge of the meadow, watching the children play.
It had been three days since the Gatherer's capture. Three days of relative peace, of healing, of slowly letting their guard down. The children were laughing, their voices carrying across the grass like music. Lily was among them, her pigtails bouncing as she chased a butterfly through the wildflowers.
But James couldn't shake the feeling that something was still wrong.
Harper appeared beside him, her hand slipping into his. "You've been standing here for an hour. What are you thinking about?"
James was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "I'm thinking about the Gatherer. About what she said. About the others who are still out there."
Harper squeezed his hand. "Sh
