It was like a massive puzzle, each section coded and numbered.

Chloe helped me color-code the blueprints for the bedrooms.

Dylan called from his friend’s house, his voice sounding lighter than usual.

“Mom, everyone at school is talking about it,” he said.

“Are you okay, Dylan?” I asked.

“Yeah,” he said. “People think it’s awesome. They’re calling you a legend.”

I laughed softly.

“I’m just your mother,” I said.

“When can I come see the new site?” he asked.

“Tomorrow,” I said. “We start putting the walls back up.”

“I’ll be there,” he said.

After we hung up, I felt a deep sense of peace.

The house was no longer a weapon used to control me.

It was just wood, steel, and glass, ready to be filled with new memories.

I went to bed early but slept fitfully, eager for the morning.

At dawn, the sky was a pale purple.

I loaded the car with our suitcases and the roll of blueprints.

Chloe slept in the passenger seat as we drove west, away from the city.

The traffic was light, and the air was cool and crisp.