Driving to the Double C seemed to take an eternity. She wanted to wake up from this nightmare, but doubted in the reality. As they drove towards the remains of the house, Caitlin's shoulders sank and her heart stopped beating. "My nightmare lives." Nothing but ash and broken boards remained.
Hands remained clasped and rested on her legs, which seemed cemented to the seat. When she glanced at Garrett the stunned look on his face further shattered her. How did I let this happen? I sensed it, but chose to ignore it. Now we have nothing. Garrett touched Caitlin's arm and she flinched. "What's wrong, besides the obvious?"
Swallowing then clearing her throat, Caitlin choked out the words, "I could have prevented this."
"How?"
"By listening to my own intuition. All day I sensed a need to be here, but chose to ignore it. After you left to go to the festival, I looked around the house, sensing it would be the last time. How could that be? Who would want to destroy my house?" She licked her lips and swallowed a few times, though her throat was still raw. "Unable to confront an unknown message, I locked up and went to town. This is what remains." "Caitlin, sweetie," Garrett said with teary eyes. "Had you been here you might have been lost too."
Caitlin sighed. She knew Garrett spoke the truth, but it did not ease her pain or loss. In time she would put this behind her, but the house would never be replaced to its original composition. Part of her wondered what would happen next. What else did that person want from her, her life? She shuddered at the thought.
"Look around," Garrett said, "and please be careful. I'll talk to the chief." He opened the door but Caitlin grabbed his arm before he got out.
"Tell me what he says, no matter how bad it is. I need to know the truth. Nothing can be worse than the fire. Promise me."
"I promise." Garrett hurried out of the truck.
Caitlin walked around oblivious to everyone. Nothing remained except for Emmaline's Home Sweet Home sampler. Despite burn marks, Caitlin kept it. Looking up, Caitlin scoffed at the surreal surroundings. Instead of seeing a ceiling, she saw a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. This peaceful setting amidst ruin and chaos seemed like a dream.
A sweet, gentle breeze blew over. Caitlin closed her eyes and spoke to her grandfather silently. "Granddaddy, I know you're with me. It's horrible losing the house you built with your hands, sweat, and blood, and I will miss it. The land remains and we will rebuild." Caitlin stood amidst the ash as tension escaped her. Her heart slowly opened as the hurt blew away. "I've got it," she said snapping her fingers. In the dirt she drew a rectangle and partitioned off the rooms. "The main house will stand here, and I'll make a larger dining room and living room. This will be the place for the visiting kids to eat, talk, and read. Our house thrived on voices and music. The new house will thrive and prosper on the same ideals. Is that all right with you, granddaddy?"