Sienna

The next evening felt slow and easy — the kind of night that hummed softly with laughter and warmth. Mom and Dad were on the couch, wine glasses in hand, teasing each other over an old family story. I was sitting cross-legged beside them, while Jaxon leaned against the armrest, phone in hand but only half paying attention.

It felt normal. Comfortable. Like the trip, the drama, the close calls — all of it had been a dream.

Then my phone buzzed.

The soft ping cut through the ...