The drive home was quiet.
Not heavy. Not tense.
Just tired.
The kind of quiet that came after surviving something you almost didn't.
Streetlights slid past the windows in warm gold streaks. The city looked strangely peaceful, like nothing terrible had happened at all.
Clara kept her fingers intertwined with Nathaniel's the entire ride.
Every few seconds, she squeezed.
Just to make sure.
He squeezed back every time.
When they pulled into the driveway, Lily immediately unbuckled and leaned over the seat.
"I'm staying at Margaret's tonight," she said. "You two… just rest. Don't worry about anything."
Clara smiled softly. "Text me when you get inside."
"I will. And you better answer."
"I always do."
Lily hesitated, then suddenly hugged her again through the open door.
"For real… don't scare me like that again."
Clara laughed quietly. "I'll try my best."
Margaret stepped forward next. For once, there was no stiffness between them.
