Page 99 of Zane

Kelsey took his plate and mug and added them to the dishwasher, and Lee and Rori did the same with theirs.

“Well, we’re off,” Lee said as Rori retrieved their lunch bags from the fridge. “See you both later.

“Have a good day,” Kelsey told them.

Elsa trotted after them, but she returned pretty quickly when the door to the garage closed.

“I’m going to sleep,” Kelsey said once it was just the two of them. “I’m beat.”

“You’re still working tonight?”

“Yep. One more night.”

“Have they offered you more hours yet?”

“No, but I’m okay with that.”

“That’s good.”

“Well, I’ll see you in a few hours.”

“Sleep well.”

She gave him a nod, then left the kitchen. Quiet settled over the large house, and Zane stayed in the kitchen for a few more minutes. He still hadn’t gotten into the habit of looking through social media, but he liked to check on the news.

There was a lot that had happened in the world during the years he no longer remembered. It had taken him awhile to get caught up on that.

After a few minutes, he got to his feet and grabbed his crutches to make his way upstairs. Though it was a pain, he took a shower before his meeting, since he had the time.

It took longer than it used to, specifically prepping for the shower, since he had to make sure that his cast stayed dry.

By the time nine-thirty rolled around, he was ready to go. Kelsey had taken to leaving the keys for her car in the bowl on the small table by the front door, so he made his way down the stairs and picked them up.

He had plenty of time, so he didn’t rush as he made his way to the car and then drove to the church. The sun was shining brightly, and it promised to be a warm day. Maybe he’d have time to enjoy it later.

Rather than go through the big doors that led to the foyer, he circled around and entered the door that led to the offices of the church. It was cool and quiet as he stepped inside, and the carpet muffled his steps as he used his crutches to move along the carpeted hall to where the pastor’s office was located.

“Hi, Mrs. Kennedy,” Zane said as he spotted Will’s mom behind the desk outside the pastor’s office.

“Zane!” The older woman got up and came around the desk to hug him. “How are you doing?”

“I’m doing alright. How are you?”

“Just great.” She pointed to the open door of the pastor’s office. “You can go on in. He’s waiting for you.”

“Thank you.”

As Zane approached the pastor’s office, the man appeared in the doorway and greeted Zane with a smile and a handshake.

“C’mon in.” He stepped back to allow Zane to enter his office, then gestured to a cluster of chairs near a large window.

Zane chose a comfortable-looking armchair and sank down onto it, then leaned his crutches against the chair beside him, while Pastor Kennedy took the seat opposite him.

“It’s good to see you, Zane,” the older man said. “I know you’re back under not the greatest of circumstances, but it’s been good to see you home in Serenity again.”

“It hasn’t been as bad as I’d thought it would be,” Zane said. “I never imagined that I’d be back for an extended period of time as an adult. But here I am.”

“Well, before we start, why don’t we pray?”

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