After I left, they begged for Forgiveness

Chapter 91- Suspecting

The saw hummed in Elijah’s hand, vibrating through muscle and bone as he sliced slowly through the aged pine log.

It was early. Too early, really. The kind of morning that held the quiet too tightly, like the world was holding its breath. The mountains in the distance wore their mist like cloaks, and dew shimmered on every blade of grass like polished crystal.

His cabin sat on a high ridge, surrounded by nothing but trees, rock, and memory.

Wreeeeek, snap.

The saw bit through the last inch of wood, and Elijah wiped the sweat from his brow with a forearm.

The log rolled aside gently, joining a neat pile he’d been working on for over a week. A project that was equal parts habit and hiding.

He set the saw down on the stump and inhaled deeply. The scent of wood and morning fog filled his lungs.

That’s when it hit him, the smell.

Warm. Buttery. Spiced with something like rosemary and clove. Eggs? Toast? Pancakes?

Valeria?

He turned slowly, blinking against the sunlight streaming