Epilogue

Monday morning, January 1, 2024

A blanket of snow covered the streets of Salem. Families young and old had already begun to take down their fir trees, decorated

with memory and tradition, in favor of yellow and gold streamers that promised new memories, and another year worth celebrating.

Lights and music flooded the streets. Children ran to their front yards and declared themselves victors or underdogs as snowballs

flew through the air.

Outside the Big House, Clover sat on the steps of her porch. The door opened, and Bee appeared. She handed Clover a mug of

hot chocolate and sat beside her. “It’s been a wild few weeks, hasn’t it?” Bee asked.

Clover sipped her cocoa. “I think that’s an understatement.”

“Oh yeah. Definitely.” Bee chuckled. “But I like it.”

“I do too,” Clover said. “Even if Beth and Knox can’t decide what the post–New Year breakfast should entail.”

“I’m just happy she’s found someone else to boss around,” Bee said. She shook her head incredulously. “I’m glad she’s here, though. I never thought I’d say that.”

“I’m glad you’re here too,” Clover said. “You and Knox... you’re cute together.”

Bee smiled into her mug. Then she laughed. “You and Beth are frighteningly adorable. I’ve never seen Beth blush as much as

she does when she’s with you.”

Clover smiled too. From a distance, the chickens clucked. Another record spun inside, and through the open windows they could

hear Jimmy crooning to a Stevie Wonder Christmas song. “I’m glad you two are staying in the Big House. I can’t believe you

thought about staying in another Vacate.”

“We didn’t want to impose!”

“I understand,” Clover said, and laughed. “But honestly, it’s the first time in a long time that this house has felt so full

of life.”

“Honestly,” Bee said, “it’s the first time I’ve felt this full of life. I have you to thank for that.”

“I could say the same to you.”

Behind them, a window opened and the sweet smell of freshly baked brownies found them before Knox did, his tousled brown hair

poking out from the white frame. “Breakfast is ready,” he called.

“And coffee!” Jimmy shouted.

“Is this chicken always inside?” Beth’s voice sounded skeptical. Clover imagined her leaning against the doorframe of the kitchen, eyebrows raised and lips pulled into a smile. A moment later, she appeared beside Knox, and the two stood there together, welcoming Bee and Clover back into a house that finally felt like home.

Bee laughed as Beth gave her an expectant look, and Knox caught Clover’s eye and winked.

“I guess we’re being summoned.” Bee put her hand out to Clover, who grasped it with her own. “Happy New Year, Clover,” Bee

said.

“Happy New Year, Bee.”