She had spent years learning that distinction.
Responsibility without accepting responsibility for everyone else’s wrongdoing.
“I believed terrible things about your people.”
“Because he taught you to.”
“I should have known better.”
“Maybe.”
His answer was not cruel.
Just honest.
Tess nodded.
He looked across the valley again.
After a moment, he said:
“Beautiful tonight.”
She followed his gaze.
“Yes.”
They stood side by side.
No reporters.
No police.
No angry crowds.
No bunker speakers producing imaginary threats.
Only wind moving across stone.
Tess felt the old fear stir.
Then pass.
She did not need anyone to tell her whether the world outside was safe.
She could look at it herself.
That was the final thing Michael Cole had tried to steal.
Not merely her freedom.
Her trust in her own mind.
For a time, he succeeded.
He convinced her that captivity was safety.
