Only Skeletons Remain

Chapter 27: Welcome to Puerto Rico

January 2010

The tropical breeze drifted through the streets as the sun cast its golden light over the horizon, the vibrant colors of Puerto Rico glowing in the warm glow of the late afternoon. Javier stood by the edge of the small pier, watching as the waves gently lapped against the shore. Behind him, a modest house with blue shutters stood in the distance, nestled among the palms. It wasn't grand, but it was home now. And more than that—it was safe.

María approached from behind, carrying a small crate of belongings, her long brown hair swaying in the wind. Their children, Harper, Liam, Micah, and Andrew, were further back, exploring the sand, kicking up little clouds of dust with their feet as they laughed, the sound of their joy blending with the crash of the ocean waves. She set the crate down beside Javier, placing a hand on his arm.

"You okay?" she asked softly.

Javier took a deep breath, looking out at the sea again. "Yeah," he replied. "I think this will be good for us... for all of us." He turned and glanced at the house where the others were still unpacking. "Miguel said we'd have peace here. I want to believe him."

María smiled, her eyes soft with understanding. "Papí and Mamí wouldn't have called us if they didn't think this was the best place. After everything that's happened, I think we deserve some peace." She glanced over at the children, watching them with a fond smile. "The kids will have family here. They'll have cousins."

Javier nodded. "Your mother's family too." His voice faltered for a moment. The Bandito leader's daughter had been through so much, but she and Miguel had made something of a sanctuary here, away from the chaos of DEMA and the endless fighting.

As if on cue, Miguel's voice called out from the house next door, followed by a chorus of playful laughter. Javier turned and spotted him stepping out of the doorway, shirt half-tucked as he carried two boxes. Beside him, Lara followed, brushing her hand through her hair, which was braided tightly against the wind.

"Welcome home!" Miguel shouted, his voice filled with warmth as he waved at Javier and María. Lara followed with a smile, giving them both a nod of acknowledgment.

Javier felt a weight lift from his shoulders. This was his family now, and despite the long road that had led them here—the pain, the war, the loss—this was the new beginning they all needed.

"I can't believe we're really here," María murmured, her gaze shifting back toward the children as Harper waved excitedly at Lara. "Harper's so happy. And Liam's finally relaxed... more than he's been in months."

"They deserve this," Javier said quietly. "We all do."

Miguel walked over, his boots crunching against the sandy path as he came to stand next to Javier. His grin was wide, but there was a shadow of weariness in his eyes—a mark left behind by years of struggle. "Took you long enough," he teased, clapping Javier on the shoulder.

Javier chuckled, shaking his head. "We had a lot to pack." He had kept his Lorekeeper book, lest the bishops get their hands on it. 

Miguel nodded toward the house. "You're not alone here anymore. We've got each other's backs."

Javier's smile faded into something more serious, though he appreciated the sentiment. "It's strange, isn't it?" he said quietly. "After all we've been through... trying to find a place like this. I didn't think it was possible." 

Miguel's gaze hardened, though his smile remained. "It's not over, Javier. We've still got a long way to go. But here... we can breathe. We can plan. We can live, at least for a little while." His voice lowered, almost conspiratorial. "DEMA's reach won't touch us here."