What we found was a world that was ten years older than the one we’d last seen but otherwise hardly different, except for the kinds of technology that had emerged in our absence. We stood on a hill overlooking the city before daring to venture in, stunned by the vastness of it all. People hustling and cars zooming every which way—it was a sight to behold.

The Fury were there, naturally. Not in the way we had seen them in Haven Valley, but if our eyes had been opened to see fear personified, we would have seen them everywhere, hovering about and feeding on nearly everyone, surely.

Along with me, Jamie and Rose were among those who’d chosen to stay. Jamie’s heart had been taken by darkness quickly in the forest, but it fell more quickly into light. Now, understanding his fear, Jamie shone as brightly as I’d ever seen him.

Rose couldn’t deny her deep agreement with fear or how love had shown her a way out of that fear, but her road was different from Jamie’s. She would soon have to face the authorities, and we all knew that once the public found out what had occurred in Haven Valley, there would be an outcry. The world’s version of justice would demand punishment to satisfy its fear.

But I didn’t think those impending consequences were at the top of Rose’s mind. Her struggle was more due to the guilt she felt for having fallen so far from the truth despite her intentions to follow a pure Christian path. Even now, as many talked quietly among themselves, Rose stood off to the edge of the grassy field, lost in thought.

I placed my hand on Jamie’s shoulder to signal I would be back, then stood and walked toward Rose. Evelyn and Stephen, running on the grass, waved as I passed, and I waved back.

The ability to believe and see the light was easier for most of the children than for any adult. Stephen had recently told me he was going to start practicing flying. “The light of the world can surely fly!” he’d said excitedly before rushing off to find Evelyn. She was one of the only children to remain unsure in the wake of Sylous’s demise. She’d committed herself deeply to her mother’s guidance, and fear still lingered in her mind.

I placed my hand on my lower stomach, reminding myself once again to make sure my child learned love rather than fear in every situation.