Chapter 139 Lingering Shadows

Katelyn’s POV The moment the plane’s wheels touched the tarmac, a quiet sigh escaped me. The city lights of New York shimmered outside the oval window, painting gold across my skin, a pattern I remembered from years ago but that now seemed entirely new. I clutched the strap of my purse as passengers began to shuffle into the aisle, my mind tumbling with memories. Even now, I never knew whether to call this city home, or simply a place where everything began again. My phone buzzed as I stepped into the arrival hall. I almost didn’t need to look. Just ahead, I spotted my mother waving both arms, her smile wider than anything the city had to offer. My father stood next to her, more reserved but eyes shining, and beside him was my older brother. Tall with his hands shoved into his jacket pockets like he had never been nervous about anything in his life. I felt lighter as I hurried toward them. My mother pulled me into her arms so tightly. “You look so thin,” she whispered, her lips brushin