Chapter 39

San Juan Capistrano – California 1871

Halona rushed into his embrace, the warmth of his calloused hand a familiar comfort. "Hey my love," she murmured, burying her face in his shirt.

"Kids home?" Buck brushed a kiss to her temple, the scent of sunbaked earth and sweat clinging to him.

"Mhmm," she mumbled against his chest. "What did they say about the house?"

"We'll be finished by Christmas time." Buck pulled her closer in a small squeeze.

"Seems so far off." She sighed. "Will you take me out there tonight?"

"How about right now?" He patted his horse's saddle.

"The kids just got home, they are eating." She pouted and leaned into his embrace.

"Hallie and I are gonna take a ride for a little bit. Isacc's in charge," He poked his head in the cabin. and Isaac," Buck looked at him seriously. "Be kind to your sister."

"Yes sir," Isaac nodded.

"Buck, we can't just leave them here." Halona shook her head in disbelief.

"Why not?" He asked.

"Well, Isaac is just nine years old." She tried to reason.

"He's perfectly capable of watching his sister for an hour." Buck laughed and helped her onto the saddle.

"I mean I don't think he's going to burn the place to the ground." Halona settled onto the horse and looked at him, still in disbelief. "But he's nine."

Buck chuckled softly, steering his horse towards the coast. The sun warmed his skin as a cool ocean breeze gusted across the hillside, carrying the tang of salt. He'd spent days scouting the perfect spot for their house, and his heart quickened at the thought of Halona's reaction.

As they reached the crest of the cliffs, Buck dismounted and helped Halona down. Taking her hand, he led her along the edge, where the land fell away dramatically to the churning sea below.

"So," he began, gesturing with his free hand, "I've been talking with the contractor. We thought the house could sit right about here."

He paused, allowing Halona to take in the breathtaking view. Then, voice tinged with excitement, he started describing the layout they'd planned, painting a picture of their future home with his words.

Reaching the porch steps, Buck stopped and fumbled in his pocket. He produced a closed hand and held it out to Halona. "Oh, by the way," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Found something interesting while I was cleaning out the attic."

"What is it?" Halona took his hand, her curiosity piqued.

He opened his hand, revealing a small, silver pocket watch. Time stood still as Halona's breath caught in her throat. The watch, nestled comfortably in his palm, was like a glimmer from a forgotten life. She hadn't seen it in years, yet it lay there, as exquisitely beautiful as she remembered.

A wave of emotions washed over her – surprise, a pang of nostalgia, and a deep sense of gratitude for the life she'd built. Little things here and there – a melody, a scent, a familiar object – would occasionally spark memories of her past, but they no longer held the power to pull her back. Here, in this sun-drenched valley, surrounded by family and a life she'd carved with her own hands, she was content.

"It wasn't working," Buck said, his voice gentle as he took the watch from her. He popped open the back and fiddled with a tiny key. "But I took it to the jeweler in town. He fixed it right up."

The click of the key winding the watch echoed in the quiet evening. The silver watch, cool against her palm, became a portal. As Buck placed it in her hand, a torrent of memories surged through Halona's mind, vivid and undeniable.

The world around her dissolved, replaced by the dusty shelves of the antique store in Texas.

"Carries history. Marks the start of a new journey, in a way." The older man's deep voice broke through her reality.

Halona felt a strange pull as she took the cool metal into her hands. A pleasant chill shot up her arm as she examined the watch's details, her fingers tracing the ornate pattern.

"There's a key to wind it up right here," Joshua explained, demonstrating the tiny key that fits into the watch's top.

"What are you going to do with a pocket watch?" Sydney teased.

"I don't know," Halona admitted, tracing the delicate filigree on the watch's face.

"All original parts," Joshua added, a hint of pride in his voice.

Sydney rolled her eyes. "You literally just bought a brand new Apple watch last month."

"But a watch like this," Joshua interjected, his voice gaining a philosophical edge. "It carries history, and marks a new journey. It's a tangible piece of the past."

"I'll take it," she announced.

Sydney shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. "You're such a sucker for a good story."

The world blurred and wavered sickeningly around Halona, the hazy antique store morphing into a nightmarish hellscape. She could no longer breathe, no longer think - there was only the frantic, raggedness pounding between her ears to escape, to flee this waking terror.

A raw, primal scream of sheer terror ripped from Halona's throat. The watch clattered from her violently trembling hands to the dusty ground below.

"Buck!" She cried out his name, her arms shooting out blindly to anchor herself against the waves of panic crashing over her. A thousand tiny needles seemed to prick mercilessly at her skull, escalating in intensity with each ragged breath. Halona's whole body was seized by uncontrollable tremors, a strangled whimper escaping her lips.

"Halona!" Buck called out her name, alarmed by her abrupt shift in demeanor.

He lunged forward instinctively, one hand outstretched to latch onto hers, but before his palm could make contact before he could even suck in another breath, Halona had simply...vanished.