Chapter 41: A Step Toward Healing.

  The air around Green Arbor carried the familiar scent of wood smoke, mingling with the crispness of early winter. The community had rallied together, their hands working tirelessly to turn the old, forgotten building into the village’s new medical center. It stood as a symbol of hope and recovery, a place that promised healing, not just for wounds but for broken spirits.

  Talon had taken to the task with quiet determination, crafting a front desk that would welcome people, just as Sarah would have. His hands, usually so steady in battle, now carefully measured and cut wood, his brow furrowed in concentration. The hammering of nails into the wood was almost rhythmic, a soothing sound in the bustle of the village.

  From her usual patrol route, Ava stopped to watch him work. She stood at the edge of the clearing, a small smile playing on her lips as she saw Talon moving with purpose. For the first time in days, it seemed like he was finding his footing again. The snow from the previous night crunched softly beneath her boots, adding a gentle hush to the village’s activity.

  The soft rustle of footsteps beside her announced Jess’s arrival. She sidled up to Ava, a knowing smile on her face, her hands holding something carefully behind her back.

  “How’s he doing today?” Jess asked, her voice gentle, as her eyes flicked toward Talon.

  Ava kept her gaze on him, watching as he worked with quiet intensity. "Better," she replied, the word carrying a sense of cautious hope. "We had a real conversation yesterday. I think it helped."

  Jess nodded, her face a mix of understanding and empathy. "I’m glad," she said softly. Then, after a brief pause, she added, "I brought something for him."

  Ava turned, curious. Jess slowly revealed a framed sketch, her fingers tracing the edges as if hesitant to give it away. The drawing showed Talon and Sarah, sitting on their porch, captured in a peaceful moment from happier times. The detail was striking—Talon’s face, relaxed and warm, and Sarah’s laughter, frozen forever in those soft lines.

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  Ava’s expression softened, the warmth of the moment clear in her eyes. "Jess," she whispered, taking in the drawing. "It’s beautiful. He’ll love it."

  Jess’s hesitation was palpable. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice wavering. "I don’t want to make things worse for him."

  Ava smiled gently, her eyes filled with quiet understanding. "The other night, I found him tracing her face on the pillow beside him," she shared, her voice tender. "He’s holding onto her memory. This...this might help him hold on to the good parts."

  The reassurance seemed to ease Jess’s uncertainty. Together, they walked toward Talon, who looked up as they approached. His lips curved into a small smile, though his eyes still carried the weight of his grief.

  “Knew it wouldn’t be long before you showed up, Blondie," Talon teased, his voice lighter than it had been in weeks, the familiar banter slipping back into place like an old habit.

  Jess, nervous but hopeful, handed him the drawing. "I, um... I made this for you. I thought it might bring you some comfort."

  Talon took the picture, his hands running over the frame with a careful reverence. The moment he saw the drawing, his smile faltered, his breath catching in his throat. A single tear slipped down his cheek, unbidden but not unwelcome.

  “This was a good day,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. His fingers traced Sarah’s drawn smile as if reaching out for her across time. "Thank you, Jess. This...this means a lot."

  Jess stepped forward and wrapped him in a warm hug. "You’re welcome," she whispered against his shoulder. "I just thought...you’d want to remember her like this."

  As she pulled away, Jess smiled softly. "And you should come by later. Baby Talon keeps asking for his ‘Uncle Talon.’ He’s driving us all mad!"

  Talon chuckled, the sound deep and genuine, a flicker of his old self coming through. "Well, I guess I’d better finish this desk then, so I can fend off my little namesake later."

  Ava laughed, the warmth of the moment wrapping around them like the soft snowfall. "I’d pay to see you babysit. I’m sure he’d give you a run for your money."

  Talon rolled his eyes but smiled all the same. "Off with you both," he said, his tone mock-stern, shooing them toward the door with a wave of his hand. "Let me work in peace."

  Jess and Ava shared a glance as they walked toward the market, arms linked in the easy manner of old friends. The crunch of snow beneath their boots and the distant chatter of the village filled the air, adding a comforting rhythm to their steps.

  "It’s good to see him smile again," Jess said quietly, relief softening her features. "Even if it’s just a little bit. He needs this—needs all of us."

  Ava nodded, her own heart lighter than it had been in days. "Yeah," she agreed, her gaze drifting back toward Talon, who was already back at work. "Today feels like a step forward. For all of us."