Page 43 of Silent Dust
The rich aroma of brewing coffee filled the kitchen, wrapping around her like a warm blanket. She watched steam curl from the pot as she carefully poured steaming mugs. Just then, Stephan appeared in the doorway, his hair tousled from sleep, eyes brightening as he took in the scene — the simple breakfast laid out and her presence there, still.
His sleepy smile caught her off guard, and for a moment, her fluttering heart just stilled. “Good morning,” she said softly.
He crossed the room, leaned in, and kissed her cheek, those quiet gestures tugging at a part of her that had been closed off for too long. “You didn’t have to do all this.”
“I wanted to,” Flora murmured, warmth spreading inside. “Thought today could be... special.”
It was the innocent hope of a fresh start, but beneath it all, a trembling shadow stirred—fear and uncertainty she hadn’t yet spoken aloud.
One by one, the kids appeared, drawn by the smell of pancakes and the sound of voices. Rhys was first—dragging himself into the kitchen with a big yawn but a grin wide enough to lift her spirits. “Can we have loads of bacon?” he asked, eyes shining. “‘Member, I’m a growing boy!”
Flora smiled warmly, the familiar urgency comforting. Kenzi followed, already dressed, alert and lively as always. She slid into her seat with a sparkle in her eye and ready for whatever the day might bring. Amelia bounced in last, clutching her stuffed bear, Moose. Her sleepy face lit up at the sight of breakfast as she plopped into her chair and giggled.
They gathered around the table, the clatter of plates and chatter filling the kitchen. Flora set a small vase with a single flower from the garden — a quiet reminder of beauty in difficult times.
“I’m soooo ready for the park!” Amelia chirped, bouncing in place.
Kenzi smiled at her sister. “Don’t forget, Moose is coming too. We’ll have so much fun.”
Rhys leaned toward Stephan as he ate, his brow furrowed in sudden seriousness. “Dad, are we in danger?”
The question sliced through the morning’s lightness. Flora’s smile faltered, and she met Stephan’s eyes, searching for calm.
Stephan nodded slowly, words gentle and measured. “Well, the guy who hurt your mom was caught, but we’re not sure if he acted alone. So yes, we have to be careful.”
Rhys absorbed that, eyes wide. “So we have to watch out... like ‘stranger danger,’ right?”
Kenzi grinned at the phrase. “Exactly! Stranger danger!”
Flora chuckled softly, feeling the warmth spread again. “And who noticed the new neighbor’s dog?” she asked.
Kenzi sat up straighter. “Spot! He looks like a snowball — but the lady named him Spot. Silly, huh?”
Flora laughed, then asked, “Which neighbor is it?”
“Across the street,” Kenzi said, bouncing excitedly. “Spot moved in while you were in the hospital. Can we go to the park now?”
Just then, the front door opened and Moose himself appeared. “Did I hear somebody say PARK?” he called out, pretending to back out the door as Kenzi and Amelia raced him, laughing.
Flora smiled at the chaos: Moose scooping up the girls, the warmth of this family force wrapping around her. “Okay kids, go brush your teeth and get dressed for a fun day at the park with Moose!”
As the kids headed upstairs, Stephan’s eyes lingered on Kenzi’s words about the new neighbor. Quietly, he sent a text to Swede, checking on the family across the street. As he typed, he filled Moose in, lowering his voice.
“Do you think it’s something to worry about?”
Moose shook his head. “You know I don’t believe in coincidences. I’m glad Link’s meeting us at the park tonight.”
Flora watched them with a mixture of gratitude and unease, the morning’s warmth tempered by the distant shadow hanging over their lives.
28 - FLORA
The sun hunghigh in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the park where Flora and Stephan had spread out their picnic blanket. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, while a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, weaving a soothing soundtrack around them. It was the kind of day made for moments like this — peaceful, slow, perfect. Yet beneath the surface of Flora’s calm, turmoil churned.
As she leaned back on her elbows, letting the sunlight brush her skin, Stephan settled beside her. His presence was steady, grounding. He had laid out a small feast: sandwiches stacked with care, bright fruit bursting with color, and a container of homemade cookies. When he caught her studying the spread, a soft joy flickered in his eyes that warmed her from the inside out.
“Isn’t it perfect?” he asked quietly, his voice carrying a reverence not just for the day but for her.
Flora’s gaze drifted to the wispy clouds drifting overhead. “It really is.” But even as she breathed in the serenity, a heavy weight settled in her chest, shadows lingering just beneath her skin.
