Chapter 16 Back Home

• The air felt different the moment I stepped off the plane.
• Sharper. Colder. Heavy with memories I had once sworn never to face again.
• Leo clung to my hand as we walked through the arrivals terminal, his sketchbook tucked under his arm, his small fingers warm and steady. I had expected fear to drown me the second my feet touched American soil, but instead something else rose in my chest…steel. Strength. A quiet, controlled fire.