THE NIGHT ETHAN COLE FINALLY FELT AT HOME
Chapter 7
After midnight, the crowd began thinning.
Children fell asleep in their parents’ arms.
Older residents returned home.
The band played slower songs.
The fire burned lower.
Ethan walked toward the water.
He sat on the end of the pier.
For several minutes, he listened to the waves.
Then someone sat beside him.
Lily.
She was wrapped in a blanket.
“You’re still awake?”
“So are you.”
“I’m allowed.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m little.”
Ethan smiled.
“That doesn’t make sense.”
“It does to me.”
They watched the fire.
Lily rested her chin on her knees.
“Do you like Greyhaven?”
Ethan looked at the town.
“Yeah.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Do you want to stay?”
Ethan hesitated.
“I think so.”
Lily smiled.
“Good.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re nice.”
Ethan laughed.
“That’s your reason?”
“Yes.”
She leaned against his arm.
“You’re part of Greyhaven now.”
Ethan looked down at her.
Something about those words stayed with him.
Part of Greyhaven.
Not visitor.
Not stranger.
Part.
