Chapter 15 - The Price of Redemption
The library was warm, filled with the scent of cedarwood and old paper. Lily sat by the bay window, drawing with colored pencils, while soft classical music played from the corner.
When the door creaked open, she looked up. Her eyes widened slightly, her pencil pausing on the paper. She didn't scream, but she shrank back into the cushions, remembering the violent crash of her broken gift.
Gage stayed near the threshold, dropping down to both knees so he was lower than her eye line. He held the butcher-paper parcel in both hands, resting it on his knees.
"Lily," Gage whispered, his voice catching in his throat. He looked down at the floor, unable to bear the innocent fear in her eyes. "I broke something you made with your heart. I thought... because it didn't cost a thousand dollars, it didn't matter. I was a fool."
He carefully reached forward, placing the small package on the low coffee table between them, then slid it toward her.
"I made this for you," Gage continued, tears finally slipping down his weathered cheeks. "It’s not perfect. It’s crooked, and the paint is uneven. But my hands bled making it, and I wanted you to know... you were right, and I was wrong."
Lily looked at the package, then glanced up at her father, who stood silently in the doorway. Arthur gave her a gentle, encouraging nod.
Lily slid off the chair and walked to the table. Her small hands untied the rough twine and unfolded the butcher paper. The porcelain horse rested in the tissue, gleaming softly in the winter light. She ran her thumb over the uneven lettering: I am sorry.
She picked up the horse and cradled it against her chest. Then, looking down at the kneeling man whose pride had been shattered into dust, she whispered, "Do your hands still hurt, Uncle Gage?"
May you like
Gage bowed his head, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
Arthur walked into the room and placed a firm, heavy hand on his younger brother's trembling shoulder. "Stand up, Gage," Arthur said quietly. "The shift at Hub 4 ends today. But tomorrow, you report to the apprentice floor at head office. Let’s see what else you can build from scratch."
