Page 24 of Consumed By Fire

"Dad, I'm sorry."

"No, honey, it wasn't your fault."

"She was the one who called me, though."

"I know. I asked her, in exchange for something,” he says, rolling his eyes. "Annais didn't have the courage to call you."

"Annais?"

"My new partner. A lot has changed in your absence."

"I know, Dad, but I had to leave Boston."

"You’ve always been determined and wise. I knew you’d leave town. I just wish you didn't do it hating me,” he says, yawning.

"I don't hate you, Dad. Rest now, please. We'll talk about it when you wake up."

"Will you still be here?"

"Sure. We'll go to the hotel tonight and see you tomorrow morning."

"Go home, Charlie. That's your house, little one."

"Okay, Dad. As long as Mom doesn't come to disturb me."

"She doesn't live there anymore."

"Okay, we'll go home, then. I promise you, Dad. Now you should rest."

"Okay. I love you, Charlie."

"I love you too, Dad,” I answered him, stroking his hair.

When Dad falls asleep, Dylan approaches us and hugs me.

"Are you ready to go?"

"I think so," I replied, enjoying his embrace. I'm happy that he came with me, not only because we got to know each other better, but also because with him next to me, I feel stronger and more complete. And it’s that completeness that makes me understand that he’s my mate. That I’d like to spend the rest of my life with him—a consideration that, on the one hand, scares me, but on the other hand, makes me smile.

I cover Dad with a blanket and kiss his forehead before leaving the room. It's only eight pm and it's already dark outside.

We get in the car and I drive home. It’s difficult to go back there, but we’re tired and it wouldn’t make sense to pay for a hotel.

14

DYLAN

I see her lost in her thoughts, and I know how hard it must be to go home for her. We take a road parallel to the main one. It’s a private road that leads to a really big gate.

Charlotte stops, gets out of the car, and enters a code that opens the gate, illuminating the driveway to the house. It's a really nice place and I can picture a little Charlotte running around these gardens, laughing and playing.

We stop in front of the entrance, which opens onto a petite woman in her fifties, together with a tall and muscular man. As soon as the woman sees Charlotte, she runs toward her, hugging her.

“My child, you’re finally home! We missed you so much. You’re even more beautiful than I remembered.”

“Zelda, thank you. I missed you, too,” she says, looking at the man who is moved to see her. "And you? Aren't you hugging me?"

“Oh, come here, silly little girl! You broke our hearts leaving that way! But I can't be mad at you,” he says, hugging her too. The warmth with which they welcome her makes me smile, and I can see that they care about her. I take the bags out of the car, giving them some privacy. Charlotte needs all the love in this world. I'm a little aloof admiring this reunion when Charlotte looks at me with tearful eyes.