The morning sun rose over the mountains, painting the valley in shades of gold and amber. The birds were singing. The breeze was gentle. The world was peaceful.
And Ethan felt something he'd almost forgotten.
Joy.
Not the joy of survival. Not the joy of victory. Something simpler. Something purer. The joy of purpose. The joy of helping. The joy of building something that would outlast him.
He stood on the porch of the community center, watching the light spread across the buildings below. It had been three weeks since the first mission to Canada. Three weeks of watching the new arrivals settle in, make friends, find their place. Three weeks of watching the community grow stronger and more connected.
Below him, the community was stirring to life. People emerged from their cabins. Child
