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Ace
The sirens fade eventually.
Not all at once.
But enough.
The world settles.
Even if nothing feels the same.
The shop is quiet again.
No candles.
No tension.
Just the aftermath.
Tessa stands at the counter.
Tracing the edge.
Grounding herself.
“You good?” I ask.
She glances back.
“I think so.”
And this time—
I believe her.
She looks different.
Not broken.
Stronger.
Like something finally settled.
“You did good,” I tell her.
“You keep saying that.”
“Because you did.”
“I almost didn’t move her, but I’m glad I did,” she admits.
I don’t interrupt.
Just listen.
“I thought this place would remind me too much of Gable Ridge, but it feels more like home now than anywhere.”
