Chapter 15 - Learning How to Laugh AgainA year passed.
Ava's strength returned.
Not completely.
But enough.
She could walk long distances.
She could dance.
She could travel.
She could laugh without looking over her shoulder.
Daniel changed too.
He stopped working until midnight.
He stopped allowing the company to consume him.
He began taking weekends off.
They traveled along the coast.
They ate at small restaurants where nobody knew the Vance name.
They watched sunsets from motel balconies.
They became ordinary.
And ordinary felt extraordinary.
One evening, Daniel surprised Ava with a small dinner on the beach.
Candles flickered in the wind.
Ava looked around.
"You planned this?"
Daniel smiled.
"I learned from experience that surprises can be dangerous."
She laughed.
Then he took her hand.
"I don't want to give you a perfect life."
Ava smiled.
"Good."
"I want to give you a real one."
She leaned forward and kissed him.
May you like
The ocean roared behind them.
For once, there was no fear in the sound.
Related Stories
