He thought for a moment. "Living," he said simply. "Finally."
"I didn't think I'd ever feel safe again," she whispered.
"You can stay," she said. "Not as a helper. Not as a tenant."
And the old farmhouse stood quiet and full — no longer a mausoleum of memories, but a home for whatever came next.
And when the sun set behind the old silo, Elena stopped and turned to him.
"I'm not looking for a replacement," she said, not meeting his eyes.
Daniel didn't move. He just said, "You're safe, Elena. Always."
