Chapter 14 - Echoes in the Glass
Five years later, the Colazo Development Group was recognized across the Northeastern United States as the premier standard for urban restoration and community revitalization.
On a bright Tuesday morning, Mave Colazo sat at her expansive mahogany desk on the top floor of the Pearl Street headquarters, reviewing structural blueprints for a new children's hospital wing funded entirely by the foundation.
Her office door drifted open silently.
Fourteen-year-old Finn walked in, carrying a heavy chemistry textbook in one hand and his old, battered teddy bear—now safely stitched up and resting on a shelf in their Beacon Hill home—depicted in a drawing tucked into his binder. He was taller now, his health robust and strong, his eyes bright with adolescent ambition.
"Hey, Mom," Finn said, dropping his backpack onto the sofa. "Dr. Sterling says I can skip my cardiology checkup next month because my vitals are completely normal. Can we celebrate with pizza?"
Mave smiled, looking up from her blueprints with a warm, maternal glow. "Only if you promise to finish your chemistry homework first, young man."
"Deal!" Finn grinned, turning on his heel and heading out to meet his friends downstairs.
A moment later, the office door opened again.
Rafe stepped inside, his jacket slung over one shoulder, his silver-threaded hair at the temples only adding to the distinguished, commanding presence that still defined him. He walked over to Mave’s desk, leaned down, and pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head before resting his hands on her shoulders.
"How's the hospital wing coming along?" Rafe asked, looking down at the intricate architectural lines.
"It's going to be the best building in the city," Mave replied, leaning back against his chest, letting out a contented sigh. "Solid foundation. Deep roots. Nothing can tear it down."
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Rafe smiled, sliding his arms around her waist and pulling her close. He looked out the massive glass window toward the bustling Boston harbor where ships moved steadily across the sparkling blue water.
"Nothing ever will," Rafe whispered.
