The next morning we went back to Mondrovia, ending our visit to the sanctuary prematurely. There are always underlying issues that cannot be put off until peace once again seems possible.
That evening all of them met in Kelly's living room, not in an office or a war room but in a house.
Kelly brewed tea that nobody really touched. Thorne was glued to Kelly's side, obviously still in his wedding blues.
Max brought his tablet but left it unopened. Mark attempted a joke that fell flatter than usual. Tiffany sat next to Ariston, steady now in a way she hadn't been months ago.
"We're not here to panic," Kelly stated. "We're here to plan calmly."
"Someone followed us to the sanctuary," Adrian pointed out. "That's serious."
"Yes," Kelly concurred. "But we've faced worse and come out alive. We just need to tackle this the same way—together, and be honest with each other, without letting fear dictate our choices."
