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The first warm breeze of spring drifted through the open bay doors of Firehouse 51. Ritter was busy hosing down the rig, Stella and Severide were reviewing call logs, and the rest of the crew was enjoying the rare calm.
“What’s the word on Casey?” Violet asked as she sat down at the table with Kidd.
“He’s back in Chicago,” Kidd replied. “Apparently, his mom showed up here a while ago, looking for him.”
“What?” Violet’s eyes widened. “I thought he hadn’t seen her in years?”
“Exactly,” Kidd said, lowering her voice. “She had no idea he moved to Portland. Boden told him, and now he’s coming to see her…and us.”
“Whoa. That’s big,” Violet murmured.
Herrmann walked in, hands on his hips. “What’s big?”
“Matt Casey’s back in town,” Kidd replied, smirking. “And he’s bringing the family with him.”
The firehouse buzzed with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. It wasn’t every day a figure like Casey walked back through those doors. When the SUV pulled into the lot, the crew spilled out onto the apron, eager to welcome their former captain.
Griffin and Ben climbed out first, now both taller and more confident. Griffin’s easygoing grin was identical to his father’s, while Ben gave a shy wave.
Sylvie appeared next, her smile lighting up the crowd. She carried little Julia, now a curious toddler with a mop of blond curls that caught the spring sunlight.
And then Matt stepped out, his expression steady but carrying a hint of nervousness. The past few weeks had been heavy—his mother’s sudden reappearance, the memories it stirred—but seeing his old crew brought a wave of comfort.
“Casey,” Boden greeted him with a firm handshake. “Welcome home.”
Matt smiled. “It’s good to be back, Chief.”
Inside, the firehouse felt alive with conversation and laughter. Griffin and Ben quickly integrated into the flow, asking questions about the firehouse while Julia toddled around, giggling as Cruz tried to teach her a high-five.
Matt pulled Boden aside, his expression more serious. “Chief, thanks for letting me know about my mom. I don’t know what I’m walking into, but…well, I couldn’t not come.”
“You did the right thing,” Boden assured him. “Whatever happens, you’ve got us.” Meanwhile, Sylvie caught up with Violet and Stella, sharing updates on their life in Portland. “It’s been a whirlwind,” Sylvie admitted. “But Julia keeps us grounded. And the boys—they’ve adjusted better than I could’ve hoped.”
As the afternoon passed, Matt finally sat down with the team to talk. “I wasn’t sure how I’d feel coming back here,” he admitted, glancing around. “But seeing all of you, it reminds me of why this place will always be home.”
“Damn right, it will,” Herrmann said, raising a water bottle in toast.
The day wasn’t without its weight, though. The looming question of what would happen with Matt’s mother lingered in the background. Still, for now, the crew of 51 celebrated their reunion, relishing the warmth of spring and the bond they’d never lost.
The smell of fresh coffee filled the common room as Sylvie poured herself a cup, laughing at a joke Violet had just told. Julia sat in a high chair that Kidd had found in storage, happily munching on bits of fruit as Cruz tried to make her laugh with exaggerated faces.
“Cruz, I think you missed your calling as a clown,” Herrmann joked, leaning back in his chair.
Julia giggled, her laughter spreading to everyone around her.
“See?” Cruz said, gesturing to the toddler. “She gets it. I’m hilarious.”
Over by the rig, Matt stood with Boden and Severide, surveying the firehouse. “Feels like I never left,” Matt admitted, running a hand through his hair.
“You never really did,” Severide replied. “This place isn’t the same without you.”
Boden nodded. “You’ll always have a place here, Casey. Just say the word.”
Matt smiled, appreciating the sentiment, but the weight of why he was back still lingered in his eyes. “Thanks, Chief. That means a lot.”
Out on the appron, Griffin and Ben were testing out some of the equipment under Ritter’s supervision.
“So, what’s it like being in Portland?” Ritter asked, spotting Griffin as he attempted to lift weights.
“It’s different,” Griffin said, straining slightly but managing a smile. “Not as big a community as here, though.”
Ben chimed in from the treadmill, “But we have this huge backyard now. Julia loves running around out there.”
“Sounds nice,” Ritter said. “But I bet nothing beats hanging out at a firehouse like this one, huh?”
Griffin grinned. “Definitely not. This place is awesome.”
Later, in the common room, Sylvie helped Stella prepare a casual dinner for the crew. “I’ve missed this,” Sylvie admitted, chopping vegetables.
“What, cooking in a firehouse kitchen?” Stella teased.“No, just being here,” Sylvie said with a soft smile. “It’s like stepping back into a part of myself I didn’t realize I’d left behind.”
Stella nodded. “You’re always part of this family, Brett. Don’t forget that.”
As dinner wound down, Matt stood up and tapped a glass with his fork, drawing everyone’s attention.
“I just want to say thank you,” he began, looking around at the familiar faces. “For making us feel so welcome. Coming back here…it’s like coming home. And I know I’ve been gone for a while, but this place, this family—it’s still part of me.”
“To family,” Herrmann said, raising his glass.
“To family,” the group echoed, the warmth in the room palpable.
As the evening continued, Mouch wandered over to Matt and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. “Casey, you know, some of us were starting to think you might’ve gone all soft on us out there in Portland,” he teased with a smirk.
Matt chuckled. “Soft? Have you met my kids? Those two keep me on my toes more than any call ever did.”
Mouch nodded knowingly. “Yeah, well, just wait until Julia hits her teenage years. That’s when the real firefighting skills come in handy.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Matt replied with a laugh.
Sylvie walked by, overhearing their exchange. “Don’t listen to him, Matt. You’ve been handling it just fine so far.”
Mouch raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Then why don’t you tell us about the time Griffin locked you out of the house—”
“Okay, that’s enough, Mouch,” Matt interrupted, grinning.
Meanwhile, Carver leaned against the kitchen counter, watching the scene unfold. When he first started at 51, he’d only heard stories about Matt Casey, but seeing the man in action, he understood why everyone held him in such high regard.
Violet sidled up next to him. “You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind.”
Carver shrugged. “Just…trying to figure out how I’d stack up against a guy like that.”
Violet gave him a pointed look. “Trust me, you’re holding your own just fine, Carver. Casey’s great, but you’ve earned your place here.”
Carver smiled faintly. “Thanks, Violet. Means a lot coming from you.”
Out by the trucks, Severide stood with Matt, each drinking some coffee as they leaned against Engine 51. The two men were quiet for a moment, the hum of conversation and laughter from inside the firehouse filling the space around them.
“So, how’s it really been?” Severide asked finally. “Portland. The family. All of it.”
Matt exhaled, his gaze drifting. “It’s good. Really good. But…” He paused, searching for the right words. “Coming back here reminds me of how much I miss this place. And being here with you guys again…it’s like a part of me I didn’t realize I needed to reconnect with.”
Severide nodded, understanding without the need for further explanation. “Well, you know you’re always welcome. Anytime.”
“Thanks, Kelly,” Matt said, offering a small smile.
“And hey,” Severide added, “if you ever decide to bring the whole family back here permanently, there’s a spot open for you at 51.”
Matt chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Back inside, Mouch had gathered Griffin and Ben around the couch, regaling them with exaggerated tales of his glory days. “So there I was, smoke all around me, flames closing in, when—”
Herrmann cut him off with a scoff. “Don’t believe a word he says, kids. Half of what comes out of his mouth is fiction.”
Griffin grinned. “It’s still a good story, though.”
Ben added, “Yeah, tell us how it ends!”
Mouch winked at Herrmann. “See? These boys know quality storytelling when they hear it.”
The firehouse felt alive in a way it hadn’t in a while, the mix of old faces and new ones blending seamlessly. Julia toddled around, pulling at Mouch’s pant leg, giggling as he pretended to be annoyed. Carver joined Cruz and Ritter in a lively debate about who made the best firehouse chili, while Matt sat back, taking it all in with quiet gratitude.
The evening carried on with warmth and laughter. Sylvie found herself walking toward the common room for a refill on coffee when she heard Violet and Kidd chatting by the counter.
“So,” Kidd said, raising an eyebrow, “when were you going to tell me that you and Carver are officially a thing again?”
Violet blushed and waved her hand dismissively. “It’s…still pretty new. We’re just figuring things out.”
Sylvie stopped in her tracks, her eyebrows shooting up. “Wait. You and Carver? Back together?”
Violet turned, her face flushing deeper. “Um…surprise?”
“Surprise is right!” Sylvie grinned and set her coffee cup down. “Since when? Last I heard, things were complicated.”
“It’s been…a journey,” Violet admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “But after everything, it just feels right. We’ve been through so much, and he’s really stepped up.”
Kidd nodded. “I’ll give him that. He’s been solid lately. Even Boden noticed.”
Sylvie smiled warmly. “Well, I’m happy for you, Violet. You deserve someone who’s all in.”“Thanks, Brett,” Violet said, her shoulders relaxing.
Sylvie leaned closer, her grin turning mischievous. “So…when’s the first double date? You and Carver, me and Casey?”
Violet groaned playfully. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
The three women laughed, the easy camaraderie reminding Sylvie of why she missed Chicago so much.
The air was crisp but carried a hint of spring warmth as Matt parked the SUV in front of a modest suburban house. He took a deep breath, his hands gripping the steering wheel for a moment longer than necessary.
“You sure you’re okay?” Sylvie asked gently from the passenger seat.
“I don’t know,” Matt admitted. “It’s been so long. I have no idea what to expect.”
Sylvie placed a comforting hand on his arm. “Just take it one step at a time. We’ll be here waiting.”
Matt glanced in the rearview mirror at Griffin and Ben, who were busy entertaining Julia with a game of peekaboo. He nodded, drawing strength from his family, and stepped out of the car.
The door opened before he could knock. Christie stood there, her expression a mix of relief and tension.
“Matt,” she said, pulling him into a hug. “I’m so glad you came.”
“Christie,” he replied, his voice heavy with emotion. “What’s going on?”
She stepped back, glancing over her shoulder. “Mom’s inside. She…she’s not in great shape, Matt.”
His stomach sank as he stepped into the house, memories flooding back in an instant. The living room looked almost untouched from the last time he’d been there, a snapshot of a life he’d tried to leave behind.
Sitting in a worn armchair was his mother. She looked older, thinner, her hands trembling slightly as she fidgeted with the edge of her sweater. When she looked up and saw Matt, her eyes filled with tears.
“Matthew,” she said, her voice shaky. “You’re really here.”
Matt stood frozen for a moment before stepping forward. “Yeah, Mom. I’m here.”
Inside the dimly lit living room, Matt hesitated before kneeling in front of his mother’s chair. Her frail appearance was a stark contrast to the woman he remembered—a woman who had been tough, if not always present.
“Mom,” Christie said softly as she took a seat on the couch, her voice laced with concern. “Tell him what you told me.”
Matt glanced between them, his jaw tightening. “What’s going on?”Nancy took a shaky breath, her hands still fidgeting with the edge of her sweater. “I didn’t know how to reach you, Matthew,” she began, her voice breaking. “When I came to Chicago looking for you, I didn’t realize you’d left for Portland. And by the time I found out…it felt like I was running out of time.”
Matt exchanged a worried look with Christie. “Mom, what are you saying?”
“I’ve been seeing a doctor,” Nancy admitted, her gaze dropping to her lap. “And…it’s not good news.” She paused, her words catching in her throat. “They’ve told me I’m sick. It’s advanced, and there’s not much they can do anymore.”
The words hit Matt like a freight train. His breath caught, and he instinctively reached for her hand. “How much time?”
Nancy shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. “Months, maybe. They can’t say for sure.”
Christie leaned forward, her voice trembling. “That’s why I asked you to come. She needs us, Matt. Both of us.”
Matt’s mind raced, his thoughts a whirlwind of memories, guilt, and the weight of responsibility. He looked at his mother, seeing the vulnerability in her that she had always tried to hide.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion.
“I didn’t want to burden you,” Nancy replied. “You have your own life, your own family now. I didn’t want to take that away from you.”
“You’re not a burden,” Matt said firmly, his hand tightening around hers. “You’re my mom.”
Nancy smiled faintly, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I just want to make things right before it’s too late.”
Christie’s voice broke through the silence. “Matt, we have to figure out how to do this. Together.”
Matt nodded slowly, his mind already turning over the implications. The idea of leaving Portland, uprooting his family, and coming back to Chicago felt overwhelming—but it also felt right.
“I’ll talk to Sylvie,” he said, his voice steadying. “We’ll figure it out. Whatever it takes, we’ll be here.”
Nancy’s hand trembled in his. “Thank you, Matthew. I’ve missed you so much.”
Matt leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’ve missed you too, Mom.”
Later that evening, back at the small rental they had arranged for their visit, Matt paced the living room while Sylvie sat on the couch, watching him with quiet concern.
“Talk to me,” Sylvie said gently, breaking the silence.
Matt stopped, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t even know where to start. Seeing her like that...she’s so much worse than I imagined.”
Sylvie nodded, waiting for him to continue.
“She told us—me and Christie—that the doctors don’t think she has much time left,” Matt said, his voice tight. “Months, Sylvie. That’s all.”
“Oh, Matt…” Sylvie stood and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I’m so sorry.”
He let out a shaky breath, leaning into her embrace. “I feel like I’ve barely had a chance to fix things with her, and now…” He trailed off, shaking his head.
Sylvie looked up at him, her expression filled with compassion. “What are you thinking?”
Matt hesitated, his eyes searching hers. “I think…I need to move back. To Chicago. For her. She doesn’t have anyone else besides Christie, and this is my chance to step up, to be there for her.”
Sylvie nodded slowly, her brow furrowing. “I get it. I really do. But that’s a big decision, Matt. What about Griffin and Ben? What about Julia?”
“I’ve been thinking about that too,” he admitted. “Chicago’s home. It always has been. And maybe it’s time we came back—for all of us.”
Sylvie pulled back slightly, studying his face. “Are you sure? Portland’s been good for us, Matt. We’ve built a life there.”
“I know,” he said softly. “But being back here, seeing everyone, remembering what it feels like to be part of this… It’s like I’ve been missing a piece of myself without even realizing it.”
Sylvie sighed, her fingers brushing over his arm. “If this is what you really want, then we’ll figure it out. Together.”
Matt looked at her, his gratitude evident. “You’d be okay with that? Moving back?”
“Of course,” Sylvie said with a small smile. “Wherever you go, we go. That’s what family is.”
Matt wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “I don’t deserve you, you know that?”
Sylvie chuckled. “You say that now. Wait until I make you pack up the entire house.”
Despite the weight of the conversation, Matt managed a laugh. For the first time since visiting his mom, he felt a sliver of hope.
The next morning, Matt sat at the small kitchen table, a cup of coffee in hand, staring at his phone. A list of things to figure out ran through his mind—housing, schools for the kids, job opportunities, and how to break the news to their friends in Portland.
Sylvie sat across from him, sipping her own coffee. “Okay,” she said, setting her mug down. “Let’s start with the big stuff. Where do we live?”
Matt sighed. “That’s the thing—I don’t know. We could try to get our old place back, but I doubt it’s still available. We might have to start fresh.”
Sylvie nodded. “We should talk to Kidd and Severide. Maybe they know of something near them.”
“Good idea,” Matt said. “And then there’s work. I need to talk to Boden, see if there’s a place for me at 51.”
Sylvie tilted her head. “Do you want to go back to being a Captain, or do you want to try something else?”
Matt exhaled, considering. “51 is home, Sylvie. If there’s a spot, I want it. But if not, I’ll figure something out. What about you?”
“I could talk to the chief at Med,” Sylvie said. “Chicago always needs paramedics, and I still have connections there. I just need to see what’s open.”
Matt reached across the table and took her hand. “Are you sure you’re okay with all of this? It’s a lot to take in.”
Sylvie squeezed his fingers. “Matt, I meant what I said last night. We’re a family. And if moving back is what’s right for us, then we’ll make it work.”
He nodded, relief washing over him. “Okay. So, we look into housing, talk to Boden and Med, and figure out schools for Griffin and Ben.”
Sylvie smiled. “I’ll do some research while you call Boden. Let’s see what’s possible.”
Matt took a deep breath and grabbed his phone. It was time to take the next step.
Matt stepped onto the small balcony, needing a little space to think as he scrolled through his contacts. His thumb hovered over the familiar name—Chief Wallace Boden—before he finally hit call.
The phone rang twice before a deep, familiar voice answered.
“Casey.”
Matt smiled faintly. “Chief.”
There was a brief pause, then a warm chuckle. “It’s been a while. How’s Portland treating you?”
“It’s been good,” Matt said honestly. “But, uh… that’s actually why I’m calling. Sylvie and I are thinking about moving back to Chicago.”
There was another pause, this time longer. “Is that right?”
“Yeah,” Matt confirmed, gripping the railing. “It’s a family thing. My mom… she’s sick. She doesn’t have much time left, and I need to be here for her.”
Boden exhaled, his voice softening. “I’m sorry to hear that, Matt. Family comes first. You know that.”
“Yeah,” Matt said. “And being back here, it just feels… right. Which brings me to why I’m calling. I wanted to see if there’s any chance there’s a place for me at 51.”
Boden let out a thoughtful hum. “I won’t lie to you, Casey. Things have changed since you left. But I won’t give you an answer over the phone. If you’re serious about coming back, I want you to come in. We’ll talk face-to-face.”
Matt nodded, despite knowing Boden couldn’t see him. “I can do that. When?”“How about tomorrow morning? I’ll make time.”
“I’ll be there,” Matt promised.
“Good,” Boden said. Then, with that signature commanding tone, he added, “It’d be good to have you back, Matt.”
A lump formed in Matt’s throat at the weight of those words. “Thanks, Chief. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
As the call ended, Matt stared out at the city skyline. This was really happening.
Tomorrow, he’d take the next step toward coming home.
While Matt stepped outside to call Boden, Sylvie settled onto the couch with her laptop. Moving back to Chicago wasn’t just about finding a place to live—it also meant figuring out her own job situation.
Her first instinct was to reach out to Chief Hawkins’ old contacts at Med. Even though he was gone, his connections had helped her before, and she had built strong relationships during her time there. She pulled up the hospital’s website, scrolling through open paramedic positions.
Multiple openings. That was a good sign.
Before she could overthink it, she grabbed her phone and dialed a number she hadn’t used in a while—one of her former colleagues, a paramedic supervisor at Med.
After a few rings, a familiar voice answered. “Brett? Is that you?”
Sylvie smiled. “Hey, Dana! It’s been a minute.”
“I’ll say! How’s Portland treating you?”
“It’s been great, but, uh… I’m actually calling because we’re thinking of moving back to Chicago.”
Dana let out a surprised laugh. “Seriously? That’s amazing! We’d love to have you back. Are you looking for a spot at Med?”
“That’s the plan,” Sylvie said. “I saw a few openings online, but I wanted to check in with you first.”
“You’d have no trouble getting hired,” Dana assured her. “Your record speaks for itself. But listen, we could really use an experienced lead paramedic. I can pull some strings, get you in for an interview as soon as you’re officially back.”
Sylvie’s heart jumped. A leadership role? That wasn’t something she had expected. “Wow, I… that sounds amazing. I’d love to talk more about it.”
“Perfect. Keep me posted on when you’re back, and I’ll set it up,” Dana said.
“You’re the best, Dana,” Sylvie said, relieved. “I’ll be in touch soon.”
As she ended the call, she let out a breath, feeling the pieces slowly coming together.
Now, all that was left was to make it official.The next morning, Matt walked into Firehouse 51, the familiar scent of smoke, coffee, and motor oil hitting him all at once. It felt like no time had passed, even though it had been years since he walked these halls as Captain Casey.
The place was quiet—most of the crew was either out on a call or handling morning routines—but that only added to the weight of this visit.
Boden’s office door was cracked open, and Matt knocked twice before stepping in.
Boden looked up from his paperwork, a slow smile forming. “Casey.”
“Chief.” Matt closed the door behind him and sat down across from Boden’s desk. “Thanks for making time for me.”
“Of course,” Boden said, leaning back in his chair. “I have to admit, when you called yesterday, I wasn’t expecting it.”
Matt nodded. “I wasn’t expecting it either. But life has a way of pulling you back home.”
Boden studied him carefully. “Tell me why you’re really here.”
Matt exhaled. “My mom is sick. The doctors say she doesn’t have much time left. I need to be here for her… and for my family.”
Boden gave a slow nod, his expression softening. “I’m sorry to hear that, Matt. And I understand.”
Matt straightened. “Sylvie and I have talked it over, and we’re ready to move back. I know I can’t just assume there’s a spot waiting for me, but I wanted to come to you first, see if there’s a way I can return to 51.”
Boden folded his hands on the desk. “I won’t lie to you, Casey. We’ve got a strong team right now. Kidd has done a hell of a job leading Truck 81. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you here.”
Matt felt a flicker of hope. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes. If I have to start in a different role, I will.”
Boden studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Let me make some calls. There’s always room for a firefighter of your caliber. It might not be an immediate return to your old spot, but if you’re serious about coming home, we’ll find a way.”
Matt’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “I appreciate that, Chief.”
Boden smirked. “Don’t thank me yet. You might be back to doing probie runs before I’m through with you.”
Matt chuckled. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Boden stood, and Matt followed suit. The Chief extended his hand. “Welcome home, Casey.”
Matt shook his hand firmly. “Feels good to be back.”
Later that day, Firehouse 51 was alive with its usual energy. The crew had just returned from a call, some grabbing food in the kitchen while others unwound near the couches. The familiar chaos made Matt and Sylvie smile—this place had always felt like home.
Matt exchanged a glance with Sylvie before clearing his throat. “Hey, everyone! Can we get your attention for a second?”
The room quieted down as all eyes turned toward them.
“What’s up?” Kidd asked, leaning against the counter.
Matt took a deep breath. “Sylvie and I have decided… we’re moving back to Chicago.”
For a second, there was silence as the words sank in.
Then—
“No way!” Cruz practically shouted. “Are you serious?”
“You’re coming home?” Mouch grinned, clapping a hand on Matt’s shoulder. “About damn time.”
Severide smirked, nodding approvingly. “Knew you couldn’t stay away forever.”
Kidd beamed. “This is amazing. Wait, does that mean you’re coming back to 51?”
Matt glanced at Boden, who had just walked in. “Still working out the details, but yeah. That’s the plan.”
More cheers, handshakes, and back slaps followed, but the excitement settled slightly when Boden gave Matt a knowing look. “But that’s not the only reason, is it?”
Matt sighed, running a hand through his hair. “No… it’s not.” He took a deep breath. “My mom… she’s sick. The doctors say she doesn’t have much time left.”
The room fell quiet, the weight of his words sinking in.
Sylvie reached for Matt’s hand, squeezing gently as she added, “Family is important, and we don’t want to regret not being here when it matters most.”
Mouch nodded solemnly. “You’re doing the right thing, Casey. Family always comes first.”
Kidd placed a hand on Matt’s arm. “I’m really sorry, Casey. If you need anything, we’re here.”
“Yeah,” Cruz added. “You’re not going through this alone.”
Matt swallowed the lump in his throat, feeling the unwavering support around him. He nodded. “That’s why we’re coming back. This is home. You guys are family.”
Sylvie smiled. “And, well, we’ve started looking at places, and I already have a lead on a job at Med. So, everything’s coming together.”
Cruz grinned. “So, housewarming party at your place or a Molly’s takeover?”
Matt chuckled. “We haven’t even picked a house yet.”
Mouch shrugged. “Technicality.”
Violet, who had been quiet up until now, grinned as she looped her arm around Sylvie’s. “Okay, but most importantly… once you two get settled in, Carver and I are calling first dibs on a double date.”
Sylvie laughed. “Already making plans for us, huh?”
Violet smirked. “Obviously. You two disappear for months, and now I have to make up for lost time.”
Carver, who had just walked into the room, raised an eyebrow. “Wait, we are?”
Violet shot him a look. “Yes, we are.”
Matt chuckled. “I guess that’s settled then.”
Cruz grinned. “So, housewarming party, double date—what’s next, a parade?”
Mouch shrugged. “Wouldn’t rule it out.”
Boden finally spoke, his voice steady. “You’ve got a lot to handle, Matt. But know this—you belong here. When the time comes, we’ll be ready to welcome you back officially.”
Matt felt a wave of gratitude as he looked around at the people who had shaped his life.
This wasn’t just a decision. It was the right one.