"Sit."
Daniel stared.
"Good morning to you too."
"Doctor's orders."
"You're not my doctor."
"Then consider it a management decision."
Daniel laughed.
He sat.
The garage looked the same.
The tools hung in their familiar places.
The red toolbox had been moved back beside the workbench.
The burgundy motorcycle stood near the rear wall.
But Daniel noticed the spot on the floor where he had fallen.
For a moment, his heart began beating faster.
He remembered the dizziness.
The sound of the wrench.
Nora's voice calling his name.
Ethan noticed his expression.
"You okay?"
Daniel nodded.
"Just remembering."
The younger man pulled out another chair.
"Want to talk about it?"
Daniel hesitated.
Then shook his head.
"Not yet."
Ethan nodded.
They sat in comfortable silence.
After a while, Daniel asked about business.
Ethan brought the appointment book.
They reviewed repairs.
Outstanding bills.
Parts orders.
And the lease problem.
Then Daniel looked toward the office wall.
A photograph of Arthur Cole hung beside one of Elise.
Arthur stood in front of the garage on the day he first opened it.
Elise was pictured at the workbench, laughing while holding a wrench.
Daniel stared at the photographs.
For years, he had assumed he would eventually pass the business on to Lucy if she wanted it.
But Lucy loved photography more than engines.
That was fine.
He had always told her she could choose her own path.
Still, he had imagined the garage remaining in Bellweather.
A place where young apprentices could learn.
Where neighbors could bring vehicles without fearing unnecessary charges.
Where Arthur's name would continue to stand above the doors.
Now that future seemed uncertain.
Ethan followed his gaze.
"We could move."
Daniel turned.
"What?"
"The business."
Ethan shrugged.
"Find another building. Rent something on the south road."
Daniel considered it.
"Could be expensive."
"Maybe."
"Customers are used to this location."
"Then we'll tell them where we go."
Daniel looked toward him.
Ethan continued.
"Dan, you built more than a building."
He nodded toward the tools.
"People bring their cars here because they trust us."
Daniel studied him.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he smiled faintly.
"Arthur used to tell me something like that."
Ethan returned the smile.
"Smart man."
Daniel looked toward the office photographs again.
Perhaps losing the location would hurt.
Perhaps it would be expensive.
But it did not have to mean the end of everything he had worked for.
For the first time since the lease notice arrived, he began considering options that did not depend on Nora Whitfield.
And that was important.
Whatever happened between them, he needed to know that his future remained his own.
That evening, Daniel sent Nora another message.