He sent the booking information directly to Jason.
Bring Ben home safely. Everything else is your responsibility.
For the first time in years, Ethan stopped rescuing them from the consequences of their choices.
PART 5 — The Return
They arrived at Ethan and Claire’s house on the evening of January second.
Ethan had changed the locks earlier that day.
When Diane discovered her key no longer worked, she pounded on the door.
“Ethan! Open this door!”
He opened it but did not step aside.
Diane wore Claire’s shawl.
Brooke carried the designer handbag.
Jason looked tired and embarrassed.
Ben stood behind them clutching his backpack.
When he saw Ethan, the boy rushed forward.
“Uncle Ethan, I’m sorry! I didn’t know Aunt Claire was alone.”
Ethan crouched and hugged him.
“You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Ben pulled a folded hotel napkin from his pocket. On it, he had drawn Claire holding Lily beneath a large yellow sun.
