He Signed My Freedom Now He Wants Me Back Chapter 19
I went myself to choose shelves from an old book warehouse, discussed the height of the accessibility ramp with the carpenter, and left space behind the front counter for a chair where I could elevate my right leg. In the past, when I arranged an entire pack manor, I thought about Lucian’s habits, the children’s safety, and the impression on guests. This time, for the first time in my life, I designed a space with my own body in mind.
The business permit required an emergency contact. I stared at the blank line for a long time before writing down the Tidewatch treatment center.
At that point, I didn’t know a single person who would come for me in the middle of the night.
But I didn’t regret it. Loneliness, at least, was honest. It would never enjoy my devotion with one hand while telling me I had never truly belonged with the other.
Three months later, the bookstore officially opened.
On the first day of the rainy season, I stood at the glass door and watched rainwater stream from the eaves.
Then the bell above the door rang.
“Welcome.”
I turned and saw a tall man folding a black umbrella. A faint scent of medicinal herbs clung to his coat, and in his arms he carried a little girl of five or six.
I stared for a few seconds.
“Elias Reed?”
The man froze, then a slow smile spread across his face.
“Evelyn Hart. So it really is you.”
Elias had been two years ahead of me at the Neutral Academy and was one of its most gifted Healer apprentices.