The small convoy rolled up the familiar mountain road, the tires of the SUV and Buick crunching softly on the loose gravel. George kept his eyes on the path ahead, hands steady on the wheel, but his mind wandered back to Edmonton and the weight of everything they had encountered. He glanced over at Jackie, who was looking out the window, her fingers idly brushing against his on the gearshift. The warmth of their connection was still fresh in his mind, but the grim reality of their situation intruded like a dark cloud over his thoughts.
They pulled into the mansion's main courtyard just as the early morning fog was lifting, revealing the now-familiar sight of the expanding community. Tents had been replaced by more solid structures, and the framework of new homes could be seen being constructed beyond the mansion walls. George took a moment to admire the progress before the heaviness of what was coming next settled in.
