Chapter 19 - THE DOOR THAT OPENED AGAINMonths later, life seemed peaceful again.
Leo celebrated his seventh birthday.
There were balloons.
Cake.
Music.
Laughter.
Elena watched from the kitchen doorway as Mark carried his son onto his shoulders.
Leo laughed.
"Daddy! Higher!"
Mark smiled.
"You're getting too heavy!"
The room filled with laughter.
Then the doorbell rang.
Everyone stopped.
A man stood outside.
Older.
Tired.
Holding a small leather briefcase.
"I need to speak with Mark Vance."
Mark stepped toward the door.
"Who are you?"
The man looked at Elena.
Then at Leo.
"I knew your wife."
Mark's face changed.
"What do you mean?"
The stranger opened the briefcase.
Inside was another blue box.
Identical to the one they had found months earlier.
He whispered:
"Your wife's story isn't finished."
Elena looked at Mark.
May you like
Mark looked at Leo.
And suddenly the peaceful birthday celebration felt like the calm before another storm.
