Chapter 14: The Passing of the Guard**
The banquet that Saturday was filled with laughter, music, and the joyful shouts of children who had known only sterile hospital rooms for far too long.
Balloons floated against the high ceilings, tables were piled high with pastries and fruit, and for one magical evening, the grandest luxury hotel in the city belonged entirely to the kids who needed magic the most.
In the corner of the grand ballroom, Holloway stood watching the celebration, his heart full.
Leo walked over to him, holding two glasses of apple cider. He handed one to his mentor.
"You're leaving tonight, aren't you?" Leo asked softly, having noticed the small travel bag sitting near the door.
Holloway took a sip of the cider and nodded. "My flight leaves at midnight. There's a children's clinic in Detroit that’s facing eviction by a private real estate conglomerate. They need an old ghost to balance the books."
Leo looked at him, feeling a familiar tightness in his chest, but this time it wasn't fear—it was deep, profound gratitude.
"Will I ever see you again?" Leo asked.
Holloway reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, beautifully carved wooden pawn. He placed it gently into Leo’s palm and folded the boy’s fingers over it.
"Whenever you see someone who feels invisible, Leo... whenever you stand up for someone who can't speak for themselves, I’ll be right there," Holloway said warmly. "You don't need a card with millions of dollars to change the world. You just need to remember the value of a single human life."
Leo threw his arms around Holloway, burying his face into the old man's coat.
"Thank you, Thomas," Leo whispered. "For everything."
May you like
"Take care of your sister, young master," Holloway whispered back, patting his shoulder gently. "The board is yours now."
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