Page 105 of Anchored to the Storm

“That’s right.” Styx lifted his chin. “Get the girls.”

One by one, they passed me at the entrance of the bedroom that had been created to keep me safe so long ago. Now, it had done just that for my Misfits. First came Finn, still holding a bat. Then Gage exited, fists clenched and ready. Ethan then passed me, holding Sarah’s hand. I held my breath as Sebastian passed by carrying a sleeping little girl on his shoulder.

Sapphire eyes fluttered open as I followed, and she smiled at me before falling back to sleep.

At the entrance of the living room, the parade of the damaged came to a stop.

The men had covered Dale and Harmony out of respect, but these kids were both brilliant and wise. They quickly understood the tragic losses that had just happened.

I’m so sorry. I’ll never fail you again.

Young, shocked bodies began to sway. Ethan wasn’t even holding Sarah’s hand as he fought to stay on his feet.

Sarah didn’t move. She was rigid as a stone.

I’d seen this posture too many times. It was time for her to fade away for a while.

Sorry, Styx.

Coming up to her side, I slipped my hand into hers.

Inhaling, because she had forgotten to breathe until she felt me, she turned to my chest. “Johnny.”

Then collapsed.

Right into my arms.

I looked to the ones I had missed so much. “Sinners.”

Their heads snapped to mine.

Mouths fell open.

Eyes softened as if relieved I was there through one of the many worst nights of their lives.

Remarkably, and impressively, their feet found stability. Then, these incredible beings stood taller, all letting me know they were ready.

Under my mask, I smiled, though tears soaked the material. I didn’t have to tell them to follow me. I knew they’d be with me to the ends of the earth.

Cradling Sarah, I went to Dale and Harmony and squatted. “Sarah, use your last ounce of strength to say goodbye.”

Sarah reached out to touch them one last time. When she curled back into me, she quietly said, “I’m sorry. Have to leave for a while.”

I stood, facing the doorway I’d now cross for the last time. “Take all the time you need, sweet girl.”

With devastating tears and soft whispers, every foster paid their respects to our parents, then followed Maddox Gentry, with ultimate trust and more loyalty than one could ever deserve or demand. For it had to be given.

And… they gave.

West Ten

Sarah

He is life. . . for us. . .

I woke in a bed, Ethan’s arm over my stomach. His head rested on the tip of my shoulder like it had partially slid off while he slept so deeply. When I looked around the room, I had no idea where I was. I could tell the sun was just starting to rise through the lace curtains. The décor, the furniture. I didn’t recognize any of it, although it felt like an older woman’s bedroom. Or a room that had been decorated many years ago.

Ethan didn’t move when I slipped out from under his arm. I didn’t want to leave his embrace since it was a favorite place to be, but there was a call of sorts reaching out to me. Or telling me to go to… him.