Chapter 14: The Sunset at St. Jude’s
On the tenth anniversary of the fire, Julian and Elena drove the old Ford truck up the winding mountain roads back to St. Jude’s Valley. The old ruins of the burnt mansion had been cleared away. In their place stood a vast public nature reserve, blooming with wildflower meadows and young evergreen pine trees.
They walked together up to the scenic overlook where the sun dipped behind the mountain ridges, painting the horizon in vibrant shades of gold, amber, and deep crimson. The breeze was sweet with pine needles and damp earth.
Julian stood leaning against the wooden railing, looking out over the valley. Elena stepped close to him, sliding her fingers gently across the raised, faded scars on his right forearm. "Does it still hurt when the weather turns cold?" she asked softly.
Julian turned his hand and intertwined his fingers with hers, his grip steady and protective. "It used to remind me of everything I lost that night," he whispered, looking into her eyes. "My job, my grandfather’s peace, ten years of hiding in the dark."
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"And now?" Elena asked, resting her head against his shoulder.
Julian smiled, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Now it reminds me of the exact moment I found the one person worth burning for."
