Even Silas seemed to understand that something had shifted beyond the question of why Elena left.
There had been a paper.
There had been a signature.
And someone had wanted both Daniel and Elena to believe the other had chosen silence.
“Do you still have it?” Daniel asked.
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“With me.”
“Can I see it?”
Another pause.
“I can bring it.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
Silas slid off his chair and walked toward him.
He did not take the phone. He simply stood close enough that their shoulders touched.
Daniel looked down at him.
“Silas is here,” he told Elena.
A faint sound came through the phone. It might have been a breath or the beginning of a sob.
“Is he all right?”
Silas answered for himself.
“I’m all right.”
Elena did not speak.
Silas looked at Daniel, uncertain now that the moment he had asked for had arrived.
Then he said, “I remember the book.”
“I’m glad,” Elena whispered.
“It had a map in the back.”
“Yes.”
“You showed me the hidden path.”
“I did.”
“Did you know I was your son?”
“Yes.”
“Did you want to tell me?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you?”
Elena took a long breath.
“Because wanting something doesn’t always mean you have the right to do it.”
Silas considered her answer.
“Are you coming here?”
Daniel looked toward Denise.
She stepped closer and spoke quietly.
“A first meeting should happen somewhere calm, with clear expectations. It doesn’t have to be delayed for weeks, but everyone needs to feel safe.”
Daniel nodded.
“There’s a community room at the library,” Elena said. “It’s closed to the public after six, but my supervisor can open it. Or we can wait.”
“No,” Silas said.
Daniel looked at him.
Silas lifted his chin.
“I don’t want another later.”
