26 – From a High Place

“There’s no rule that says we can’t leave once we join them, right?” Cody, just out of the car, asked.

Shawn shrugged. “Nope. They might try to convince you to stay if you’re important, but they’ll let you go in the end.”

Cody glanced at Emily, who was pacing back and forth near the car.

“I wonder what life is like inside.” Gwen muttered. She was still sitting in the driver’s seat.

“It’s more normal than being outside.” Shawn replied. “But don’t expect it to be the same as your old life.”

The gate of that place opened, and a few individuals emerged. Emily widened her eyes to find someone with short hair and a thin mustache among them.

“Dad!” she ran to the middle-aged man.

“Emily? Are you really Emily?” He then smiled and embraced his daughter’s hug.

“I was really worried about you, Dad.” Emily sobbed,