The road curved gently along the cliffs, opening to a view of the same bay where Crystal once vanished.
But today, the tide was calm.
The sky clear.
Kevin slowed the car as the cottage came into view—white stone, deep green shutters, and wildflowers growing where fences once stood.
Nick pressed his nose to the window. “Is this ours?"
Kevin parked. “Welcome to Phoenix Point."
Crystal didn't move for a moment.
Then she opened the door and stepped into the salt-kissed air.
The waves sounded different now—less like threats. More like lullabies.
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Inside the cottage, every detail whispered intention.
A framed photo of the three of them by the fireplace. Nick's pirate drawings on the fridge. A shelf of storybooks beside the bed.
Crystal walked barefoot across the wood floor, finger
