"I don't think I'll ever move back into that house."
Andre understood.
She'd built a different life near her daughter.
Going backward wouldn't necessarily restore the years she'd lost.
But he hoped she could find peace knowing that the questions surrounding her experience hadn't simply been ignored.
Eleanor continued.
"I bought a little place with a garden."
Andre smiled.
"That sounds nice."
"It is."
She paused.
"And my grandchildren visit every Sunday."
He looked toward the window.
"Then you've got something good."
Eleanor's voice softened.
"Yes. I do."
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then she said.
"Enjoy your pool when it's ready, Andre."
He smiled.
"I plan to."
By the following spring, the pool was finally restored to service.
Luis Mendoza completed the last scheduled inspection and reviewed the relevant professional documentation with Andre.
The water looked beautiful.
The equipment operated normally.
And the qualified assessments confirmed that the facility could return to ordinary recreational use.
Luis stood beside the pool with his hands on his hips.
"All right," he said. "Everything's in order."
Andre stared toward the turquoise water.
For several seconds, he couldn't speak.
Then he asked.
"You're sure?"
Luis smiled.
"We've followed the necessary process and completed the checks. You're clear to use it."
Andre exhaled.
He hadn't realized how much he'd been holding his breath.
The technician handed him the remaining paperwork.
Then looked toward the garden gate.
The damaged latch had been replaced.
The cameras were working.
And the backyard looked almost exactly as it had before Cynthia entered.
Luis smiled faintly.
"Nice pool."
Andre laughed.
"That's what everybody keeps telling me."
The technician grinned.
"Well, this time you get to enjoy it."
Andre nodded.
He thanked Luis.
Then stood beside the water after the technician left.
For a moment, he imagined himself stepping into the pool.
But he hesitated.
The memory of Cynthia pouring cloudy liquid into the water returned unexpectedly.
He could almost hear her demanding the agreement.
The anger.
The threats.
And Ruth's shocked voice coming through the smartphone.
Andre looked toward the house.
Then decided something.
He wasn't going to make the first swim alone.
That weekend, he invited his family.
His parents arrived with food.
Tasha brought her husband and children.
And Maya appeared at the front door wearing her favorite swimming bag across one shoulder.
She looked toward Andre.
"Uncle Andre?"
He smiled.
"Yes?"
"Is the pool really okay now?"
He nodded.
"The professionals finished everything."
Her face brightened.
"So we can swim?"
Andre laughed.
"After lunch."
She groaned dramatically.
"But I'm ready now!"
His father appeared behind her carrying a cooler.