"Return to Candle Street" is the second book after Mystery on Candle Street. This second novel will be free for a couple of days. If you like it, you can purchase the first one at a reduced price. I would like to thank the author for letting me publish a chapter of the novel.
Chapter 1: Candle Street
The car moved slowly through the quiet streets of Candle Street, the same ones that six months ago had witnessed unimaginable chaos. Lucius looked out the window with a mixture of nostalgia and relief, while Susan kept her hands firmly on the wheel, focused on reaching the family home.
Caroline, sitting in the backseat, watched the houses follow one another on both sides of the road, each with its manicured gardens and flowers in full bloom. For someone who had lived in the city her entire life, Candle Street had always seemed like a place straight out of a storybook. This time, however, there was something different about how she perceived it: it was not only beautiful, but also a refuge, a symbol of hope and a new beginning.
"Nervous?" Lucius asked, turning to face her from the passenger seat.
Caroline looked at him and smiled shyly.
"A little. But I think that's normal, don't you?"
Felix, always eager to break the tension, leaned from the back of the car, resting his elbows on the front seats.
"Relax. There won't be any kidnappings or chases this time. Just a normal vacation... or so I hope."
Susan, who had remained silent until then, let out a small laugh as she turned the last corner leading to the grandparents' house.
"I hope so too. We all need a little peace and quiet."
As they approached the house, the car was greeted by a familiar and comforting scene: the grandparents and aunts and uncles were waiting at the gate, their faces lit up with big smiles. The little cousins ran through the garden, squealing with excitement at the arrival of the new arrivals.
"There they are!" Grandpa exclaimed, waving his hand as he approached the car.
As soon as it stopped, Lucius and Felix quickly got out, followed by Caroline. Susan stayed a moment longer, watching as the grandparents led the children away and the uncles joined in the welcome. There was something about that warmth that made the weight of the past few months seem less overwhelming.
"It's good to be back," Susan said to herself before locking the car and joining the group.
The air was filled with laughter as the cousins scampered around the garden, and the adults chatted animatedly by the front door. Caroline, still adjusting to the new family dynamic, stayed close to Lucius, observing everything with a mixture of curiosity and gratitude.
"You know," Lucius said, leaning toward her. "The last time we were here, everything felt different. Like we were trapped in a bad dream."
Caroline ascended.
"But this time is different, isn't it? It feels more... normal."
Felix, who had been listening, chimed in with his trademark sense of humor.
"Definitely more normal, though never underestimate our ability to attract chaos."
The three of them laughed softly, relieved to be able to share that moment. Although the memories of Christmases past lingered, Candle Street offered them a chance to heal and reconnect with what truly mattered: family.
Susan, who was standing next to the grandparents, watched her children and Caroline with a calm smile.
"We'll be okay," she told herself, clinging to the hope that Candle Street had always symbolized.
The morning sun streamed through the windows of the grandparents' house, illuminating the antique furniture and family pictures that decorated the walls. The group had spent the evening unpacking and settling into the rooms they always occupied during their visits to Candle Street.
Caroline was in the room she shared with Magie and Marge, carefully folding her clothes while Susan put toiletries on a small shelf next to the bed. Although it was a familiar place, Caroline still felt something new about the dynamic. Living with Lucius, Felix, and Susan had been a drastic change, but she had slowly grown accustomed to the routine.
"Are you comfortable here?" Susan asked as she checked Caroline's suitcase.
Caroline ascended, pausing for a moment.
"Yes, although it still feels a little strange... like I'm living in a dream."
Susan irritably sat down on the bed next to her.
"That's normal, darling. But you're home, and that's what matters."
Their conversation was interrupted by Felix, who appeared in the doorway with a grin from ear to ear.
"I have a brilliant idea!" he announced, crossing his arms as if he were about to reveal the world's most brilliant plan.
Susan raised an eyebrow, amused.
"What idea, exactly?"
"A list of summer activities," he replied, entering the room with a theatrical air. "No burning cars, no kidnappings. Just fun stuff."
Caroline let out a small laugh.
"So what's on your mind?"
Felix leaned against the doorframe, pretending to be thoughtful.
"We could explore the forest."
Mystery on Candle Street : First novel
