Chapter 16 - 3:12One night, Leah told David something she had never forgotten.
"I used to wake up at 3:12 every morning."
David turned toward her.
"Why?"
"I don't know."
She looked toward the window.
"Maybe my body remembered being afraid."
David reached for her hand.
"What happens now?"
Leah smiled.
"Now I sleep."
David looked at the clock.
3:12 p.m.
Sunlight filled the room.
Maya was asleep upstairs.
The contrast was almost unbelievable.
Months ago, 3:12 had represented terror.
Now it was simply a number.
A moment.
A piece of time that belonged to them again.
David kissed Leah's hand.
"I promise you."
She looked at him.
"What?"
"I'll never let anyone make our home feel unsafe again."
Leah smiled.
"You don't have to protect us from the whole world."
David looked toward the stairs.
"I know."
May you like
He paused.
"I just want to protect what matters."
