The police officer gave Gregory and Fiona exactly fifteen minutes to gather their personal belongings, load their vehicle, and leave the premises permanently. If they failed to meet the deadline, or if they left any damage behind, they would be placed under arrest immediately and charged with multiple felony counts.

Within minutes, the loud music was replaced by the chaotic sound of Gregory and Fiona frantically throwing their clothes into suitcases. They hurried back and forth through the hallway, avoiding eye contact with anyone as the officers watched their every move. The two boys trailed behind them in silence, clearly embarrassed by the entire ordeal.

When the black pickup finally drove down the stone driveway and disappeared past the gate, an incredible sense of peace returned to the house. The sound of crashing ocean waves outside became audible once more through the open patio doors.

Arthur packed his documents into his briefcase, offered a polite nod of respect to my parents, and walked out with the officers, leaving the front door key in my hand. I walked over to my parents, kneeling down beside their chairs. Dad took a long, deep breath, his hands finally steady, while Mom pulled me into a tight embrace. The house was quiet again, safe, and entirely theirs, exactly as it was always meant to be.