When they were finally home, inside the warm kitchen, the Lego bricks were still on the table. As the neighbors, who had stayed over to get a glimpse of the “lost boy,” finally began to head home and the last of the cars pulled out from the driveway, Mathew stood by the window, looking out at the mountain. It looked different now—less like a monster and more like a giant that had simply been holding his son for a while. He felt an incredible sense of gratitude for the people who had stood by them in the dark.
He walked into the living room, where Michael had finally fallen asleep on the sofa, sandwiched between Angela and his stuffed bear. The boy looked so small and peaceful, his breathing deep and steady. The “brave explorer” was exhausted, but he was home!