Page 40 of Silent Dust
Flora turned to face him, her eyes searching for him in the dim light. “You really think that’s possible? That you could transition out and still be part of something meaningful?”
Watching the hope flicker in her eyes, Bear felt a surge of optimism. Yet beneath that hope, a quiet weight settled in his chest. He knew there were conversations still to be had—about the divorce papers he’d seen, about the future they needed to face together. And beyond that, he understood that his decision to leave the military would ripple through his team. They had shared battles, losses, and victories; they were more than comrades—they were family. If he was going to take this step, he needed to make sure they were welcome to join him on this new adventure.
Bear nodded, feeling the weight of his words. “I think it’s not just possible; it’s what I want. I want to be there for you, for thekids. I don’t want to miss any more moments. The Brotherhood Protectors could use our experience, and we could make a real difference in the lives of other veterans and their families.”
“Flora,” he said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them, “how do you feel about hosting a big BBQ next weekend? I want to bring everyone together—my team, Hawk and Lindsey, Hawk’s team, all the wives who helped while you were in the hospital. It’ll be a huge thank you for everything they’ve done for us.”
Flora raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips, but Bear caught the flicker of concern in her eyes. “You’re really planning to host that whole BBQ? Right now? I just got home, and I’m in no shape to help. How exactly are you planning to do it all without losing your mind?” she teased, though the worry beneath her words was clear.
“Trust me, I’ll handle everything,” he said, his voice steady and confident. “I’ll coordinate with Hawk and Lindsey. They’ll take care of the food, and I’ll manage all the logistics. You won’t have to lift a finger. Just relax and enjoy being home. Yeah, it might get a little chaotic, but it’ll be worth it.”
Bear watched as Flora’s smile widened, her eyes twinkling with playful skepticism. “What happens when a man says, ‘Trust me, I’ll handle it’?” she teased, a hint of amusement in her voice. Then, with a smirk, she added, “In the eighteen years we’ve been together, how many parties have you actually handled without something going sideways?”
Bear chuckled, shaking his head. “Fair point. But this time will be different. At least this time, you’ll show up for the party.”
Flora laughed softly, the warmth in her eyes reassuring him. “Okay, let’s do it. I love that idea. A BBQ sounds like a perfect way to thank everyone that helped us out.”
Bear felt a warmth spread through him at the sight of her smile, but his resolve to protect her from stress remained firm.He would make sure she could enjoy this homecoming without any worries.
As they talked about the details, Bear felt a sense of purpose crystallizing within him. This gathering would not only express gratitude but also serve as a pivotal moment for his team. He needed to talk to them about the future, about the possibility of transitioning to the Brotherhood Protectors together. They had all fought hard, and now it was time to support one another in a new way, to find a path that allowed them to stay close while still serving their community.
He imagined the laughter and fellowship that would fill their backyard, the smell of grilled food wafting through the air, and the sound of children playing. It would be a celebration of resilience and gratitude, a reaffirmation of the bonds they had forged through thick and thin.
25 - FLORA
Flora sankinto the familiar comfort of her home, the warmth of the space wrapping around her like a soft blanket. After two weeks in the hospital, the adrenaline of returning had faded, leaving her feeling fragile and weak in a way she hadn’t expected. Simple tasks that once felt effortless now required help, and the frustration gnawed at her. She couldn’t believe how much her body had deteriorated.
The kids were wonderful—always nearby, happy to fetch drinks or play quietly so she could rest. Their laughter and chatter filled the house with life, but as the day wore on and the noise softened, Flora was left with the steady thrum of her own exhaustion.
Stephan stayed close, a steady anchor in the shifting tides of her recovery. He helped her into a soft nightgown, the fabric gentle against her skin. She caught the concern in his eyes, the way he searched her face for any sign of pain or discomfort. It made her heart swell with gratitude—knowing she wasn’t alone, that he was there to care for her.
As he guided her to her side of the bed, she felt the familiar contours of their shared space welcoming her back. The bed was a sanctuary, a place where she could finally let her guard down.Stephan’s hands were warm and soothing as he softly rubbed her arms, a gesture that sent a wave of comfort through her. She leaned into his touch, savoring the feeling of being home, of being taken care of.
When he bent down to place a soft kiss on her forehead, Flora closed her eyes, allowing the tenderness of the moment to wash over her. It was a simple act, but it filled her with warmth and reassurance. “I’m so glad to be back,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.
The quiet of their home enveloped her like a comforting blanket, a stark contrast to the incessant beeping of machines and the bustle of hospital staff. Here, there were no interruptions, no sterile smells or harsh fluorescent lights—just the soothing familiarity of the space that had always been hers. She took a deep breath, savoring the scent of home, the peace that came with it, and the knowledge that she was finally free from the confines of the hospital.
Flora felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She had missed this, the simple, quiet moments that made life feel normal again. Being home meant she could focus on healing without the constant reminders of her recent struggles.
“Do you need anything? Pain pills?” he asked gently, his concern evident.
Flora hesitated, the weight of her words catching in her throat. Her body felt heavy, and a flicker of reassurance crossed her face as she shook her head slightly. “No, just you. I’m okay for now.” Her voice was soft, almost fragile, but she wanted him to understand she wasn’t pushing him away completely. She desperately wanted to cling to this moment of familiar comfort—the feel of him beside her—because it was the only thing grounding her right now.
Stephan’s smile softened, concern shadowing his eyes. He reached out gently, brushing her hair back from her forehead.“Alright,” he whispered, voice tender. “But if you change your mind, just tell me. I’ll be right here, okay?”
She nodded, leaning into his touch, her lips trembling slightly as she looked up. But the moment shifted—as he started to rise, something in her snapped. Her hand shot out, trembling as she gripped his arm, desperation thick in her voice. “Don’t leave me alone,” she whispered urgently, her words catching on the ache inside her. The plea surprised him, the quiet vulnerability she rarely showed seeping out.
His brow furrowed as he looked down at her. “Hey, hey—I’m not going anywhere,” he said quickly, settling back beside her. “Just going to take a quick shower. I got all sweaty chasing the kids today. You’re okay, I promise.”
Her chest heaved with a shallow, trembling breath she barely registered. Her lips pressed together, battling the feeling of shame flooding her. She hated how exposed she’d become—especially with him, the man who’d always been her shield, her rock.
He ran his fingers softly through her hair again, a quiet, soothing gesture. Her eyes fluttered shut, craving that contact, that reassurance she so desperately needed. Her words were trapped behind her insecurities, clogging her throat—she wanted to tell him everything, to say how much she needed him, how fiercely she craved belonging. But the silence was still too thick.
“I… I just…” Her voice broke, and she paused to steady herself. “I want you to stay.”
Stephan looked at her, concern flickering in his expression. “I will, Flora. I’m not going anywhere. Just?—”
“I know,” she cut him off softly, her voice almost a whisper. “I know. It’s just… I feel so tired. And I don’t want to be alone right now.”
