The drive back to Far-Bridge was the calmest part of Kro's day.
Not because she was peaceful.
Not because the ache inside her had softened.
But because she had already cried until there was nothing left to pour out, and at the columbarium she had finally made a decision. Somewhere between Loro's silence and her own breaking heart, Kro had chosen which version of herself she would be from now on.
That decision sat beside her all the way home.
Cold.
Clear.
Unforgiving.
By the time she turned into her street, the night had deepened fully. The house stood ahead in its familiar stillness—and there, in front of it, was another car.
A visitor.
Late.
Unwanted.
Kro slowed, already knowing who it would be. There was no need to guess. And because it was her own home, there was no dignified way to turn around and leave. She parked, stepped out, and closed the car door with quiet finality.
Ukraine rose from the front steps the moment he saw her.
