Chapter 62 Kindergarten
Adrian's first day of kindergarten came with more security than most political events—two undercover guards in the classroom, three monitoring the perimeter, and Reese personally overseeing protocols.
"This is excessive," Elara said.
"This is necessary," Reese countered.
Adrian seemed oblivious to the security, excited about meeting new friends and learning to read.
"Mama, Ms. Peterson says I can read chapter books soon," he reported after his first day.
"That's wonderful baby," Elara said.
"And I made a friend named Tommy who likes dinosaurs too," Adrian continued. "Can Tommy come play sometime?"
"We'll see," Elara said, knowing playdates required security screenings now.
Watching Adrian adjust to normal childhood felt surreal after years of running and hiding.
"He's resilient," Kai observed. "Doesn't seem bothered by the guards."
"He thinks they're regular teachers," Elara said. "We should probably tell him the truth."
"When he's older," Kai said. "Let him be a kid for now."
Mining operations ramped up that month with the first extraction producing preliminary results.
"We've confirmed deposits are as substantial as projected," Greenstone's representative reported. "Revenue projections remain accurate."
"So two hundred million annually once fully operational," Elara confirmed.
"Starting in four years," the representative said. "After initial development period."
Four years felt simultaneously close and far away.
Pack politics shifted as members realized Elara's mining revenue would soon fund significant improvements.
"We need new school facilities," one council member suggested. "Current buildings are fifty years old."
"And expanded healthcare services," another added.
"All of which requires planning," Kai said. "We can't spend money we don't have yet."
"But we can plan for spending it wisely," Elara said.
They established a community planning committee to determine how mining revenue would be allocated.
"Education and healthcare are priorities," Elara declared at the first meeting. "But we also need infrastructure improvements and emergency services."
"What about pack expansion?" Elder Michael asked. "Attracting new members?"
"That comes after taking care of current members," Elara said firmly.
Her relationship with Kai progressed slowly—dinner dates twice a week, family time with Adrian, occasional hand-holding that felt both natural and terrifying.
"Are we dating?" Adrian asked one evening.
"Are who dating?" Elara asked.
"You and dada," Adrian said. "You act like people on TV who date."
"We're figuring things out," Elara said carefully.
"Grown-ups are weird," Adrian declared and went back to his homework.
"He's not wrong," Kai said, overhearing from the doorway.
"We are weird," Elara agreed.
"But we're trying," Kai said.
"We're trying," Elara confirmed.
By October, enough stability existed that Elara could finally breathe without expecting attack.
"Is this what normal feels like?" she asked Maya over coffee.
"I think so," Maya said. "Strange, isn't it?"
"Terrifying," Elara admitted. "I keep waiting for crisis."
"Maybe crisis is finally over," Maya said hopefully.
But peace never lasted long.