Chapter 19 - Evening on the Terrace
That evening, we celebrated quietly at home.
Uncle Marcus came over for dinner, bringing a bottle of sparkling cider and a box of artisan pastries from our favorite bakery downtown. We sat out on the private teakwood terrace of the penthouse, watching the sun set behind the glittering Chicago skyline.
The city lights were flickering to life across the grid, reflecting off the glass towers and the curving span of the waterfront district we had helped build.
Marcus raised his glass, looking between Lily and me with deep, affectionate pride.
“To the strongest architects in the state,” Marcus toasted. “May your foundations always hold firm.”
“To the foundation,” Lily and I echoed together, clinking our glasses against his.
Later, after Marcus had gone and Lily had turned in for the night, I lingered on the terrace alone. The cool spring breeze carried the distant, comforting hum of the city.
I placed my hands on the glass balustrade, looking out at the endless horizon of lights. I felt no fear, no hesitation, and no regret.
May you like
Every scar had healed into strength. Every fracture had taught me where the reinforcement needed to go.
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