CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY - Breaking Point

Lucas threw himself into his work, but also made a point of being there for Ella in ways both big and small. He surprised her with flowers, left little love notes for her to find, and made sure to be home every evening to share dinner and talk about their day. Slowly, the nightmares began to fade. The constant fear that had been their companion began to loosen its grip. They found moments of laughter again, rediscovered the joy in small, everyday pleasures. One evening, as they sat on their porch watching the sunset, Ella turned to Lucas. "Do you think we'll ever feel normal again?" she asked softly. Lucas squeezed her hand. "I don't know if we'll ever be the same as we were before," he admitted. "But we'll find a new normal. Together." Ella nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder. The road to healing would be long, but with Lucas by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As the weeks passed, life in Willow Creek slowly began to return to a semblance of n