At Pierce’s family home, the front door opened quietly. Pierce stepped inside, still wearing his rehab clothes, a baggy hoodie and sweatpants, his hair damp, his face drawn with exhaustion.
Mary rushed forward and wrapped him in her arms, tears streaking down her cheeks. “God answered our prayers,” she said.
His father stood nearby, hands folded. “He’s given you a second chance,” John said calmly. “You can still be worthy.”
Pierce nodded. Relief and fear twisted together in his chest.
“Online classes only,” his mother said. “You’ll stay here. No distractions. No Cade.”
Pierce glanced toward the door, then looked down.
“Obedience isn’t punishment,” John said. “It’s salvation.”
Pierce walked upstairs without arguing.
-----
The ER lights were too bright.
Not clean bright—interrogati
