Chapter 15 - A QUIET MORNING ON ROUTE 17 — THE END
Six months later, the morning sun shone brightly across the asphalt of Route 17.
The Route 17 Diner sign buzzed softly in the warm spring breeze.
Inside, old Mrs. Patterson was back in booth three, completely absorbed in her crossword puzzle.
Jimmy Alvarez was flipping pancakes on the flat-top grill, humming a cheerful tune.
Lena stood behind the counter, pouring a cup of fresh coffee.
The diner bell chimed.
A customer walked in wearing a clean charcoal jacket.
He sat down at booth seven.
Lena walked over with the coffee pot, a warm smile touching her lips.
“Black or with cream?” she asked softly.
Matteo looked up, his gray eyes shining with quiet warmth and eternal peace.
“Black, sweetheart.”
“Just the way I like it.”
Lena filled his cup, sat down right across from him in the booth, and reached across the table to hold his hand.
The past was buried.
May you like
The ordinary life they had fought so hard for was finally theirs to keep.
THE END
