Chapter 10 - A New Sunrise
New Year’s Eve arrived with a brilliant blanket of white snow covering the entire North Shore. The streets were quiet, save for the muffled laughter of neighbors walking between houses to share warm drinks and toast to the passing of another year.
Ernest stood on his back deck, wrapped in a heavy winter coat, looking out over the cedar fence he and Arthur had built together. The hydrangeas Lucy had planted years ago were dormant beneath the snow, resting quietly through the winter frost, safe in the soil where they belonged, waiting patiently for the spring thaw.
The front doorbell chimed softly inside the house.
Ernest walked back inside, shaking the light snowflakes off his coat shoulders, and walked down the hallway. He opened the front door to find Arthur, Brenda, Sarah, and Detective Miller standing on the porch, holding a steaming thermos of hot chocolate, paper cups, and a brand-new, beautifully wrapped three-milk cake.
"Happy New Year, Ernie!" Arthur shouted with a grin, holding up the thermos. "We figured you shouldn't ring in the new year all by your lonesome accountant self!"
Ernest laughed—a deep, booming laugh that echoed off the high ceiling of the foyer and spilled out into the winter night.
"Come on in, everyone," Ernest stepped aside, swinging the door wide open. "The house is warm, and the ledger is wide open for a brand-new year."
May you like
As his friends streamed inside, filling the hallway with warmth, laughter, and the rich scent of vanilla and chocolate, Ernest closed the front door behind them. He didn't lock it against fear or deception anymore; he locked it to keep the warmth inside.
He walked into the kitchen, sat down at the head of the table where he belonged, and looked out at the bright, welcoming future waiting for him on the other side of the winter night.
