From Prison Bars To Gold Bars.

255. A Part Of The Family

Van sat cross-legged on the living room floor, a half-assembled wooden train track winding around him in a wide arc. One of the twins — Billy— was determined to create a “rollercoaster loop,” while his sister Chloe perched on the couch, carefully drawing in a spiral-bound sketchbook. Ivy wandered in from the kitchen with a bowl of strawberries, popping one into her mouth before tossing a few to the kids. Her eyes found Van's, and they exchanged a look that was equal parts affection and quiet relief.

It was the first time in months that their home felt like a home again.

Outside, the afternoon sun cast a golden spill across the windows. Someone had lit a barbecue two doors down — a curl of smoke rose into the sky, mixed with the smell of grilled onions and sweet corn.

Peace, Van thought. This is peace.

The doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it!” Chloe yelled, already sprinting toward the door.

Van got up more slowly, brushing wood dust off his sweatpants. Chloe swung the door open, and there sto