Kendra didn’t call his parents. She walked him home herself, three miles through the wind and rain, and handed him over to a frantic mother who had already called the coast guard. The mother hugged Kendra like she was family.
After that, no one asked where Kendra had come from. They asked what she needed.
She thought about the life she’d left behind—the noise, the chaos, the feeling of being untethered. None of it mattered now. She had chosen this place, and more importantly, she had let it choose her back. kendra sunderland here to stay
Kendra smiled. It was the same patient smile, but softer now, warmed by salt air and belonging.
But Kendra didn’t leave. And she didn’t go mad. Kendra didn’t call his parents
Leo looked over at her. “You’re really not leaving, are you?”
Kendra stood at the back of the VFW hall, her hands in the pockets of a worn pea coat. “Because I need to belong somewhere. And I decided it’s here.” After that, no one asked where Kendra had come from