"We're here."

Mike was the first to leave the van. He snatched up his bag and hurried out, disappearing into the night. Raphael and Don followed him, both anxious to get free of the stuffy cabin and stretch their legs. Don lifted the giant computer box carefully. Raphael sighed at him as he took both of their bags.

"I still don't see why you had to bring that."

"Hey, this is going to come in handy. Just wait and see."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever."

Casey took Shadow by the hand and led her out.

I glanced at Leo. He smiled at me sleepily and moved toward Splinter.

"Master...we're here."

I watched as Splinter's face relaxed and he slowly opened his eyes. He, Leo and I were the last to leave.

"I'll get your things." Leo grabbed their stuff and hastily hopped down from the van.

An awkward silence followed as Splinter and I were left alone. He gave me a reserved smile, which I returned to him. Perhaps I'd been wrong. Maybe he hadn't been avoiding me. In any case, it was nice to be able to face one another again.

"I guess we better get going, huh?" I said awkwardly.

He gestured toward the door. "Ladies first."

"Umm...okay." I grabbed my bag and left the van, Splinter not far behind me.

The night was so thick with darkness, it seemed as though I could almost reach out and touch it. Millions of tiny white stars dotted the sky, and the moon was so full and bright it was almost blinding. A field of lush grass spread out all around me, disrupted only by a thin dirt path that led to what looked like a garage. Trees and plants of all kinds dotted the landscape. The air was fresh and crisp. I inhaled deeply, enjoying the break from the smog of the city.

I stared at the rickety old farmhouse that loomed before me. Some of the paint was chipped and cracking, and a weathered wooden swing hung from chains on the front porch. The faded curtains in the windows gave it a feeling of homeliness, despite the flaws. And it was beautiful. Everything around me...all of it was beautiful.

"Hey, Holly, come on!" I heard Mike call.

I smiled and hurried inside. What greeted me was plain, simple furniture, decorated here and there by doilies and throw pillows. The floors were unfinished wood, and gave off a faint smell of mildew. April opened a window to relieve the odor.

"It's been so long since we've been up here." Her eyes shined with excitement.

Now I knew why they'd all been so anxious to come here. There was something about this place that felt...well, good.

"So..." Leo yawned. "What about sleeping arrangements?"

"We'll keep Shadow with us." April said. "So that leaves the other three bedrooms open."

"Hey, Holly, wanna bunk with me?" Mike joked.

I gave him a playful, 'not-in-your-wildest-dreams' look, and punched him in the arm.

He laughed.

"Master Splinter, why don't you take one of the rooms?" Leo offered. "The rest of us can make arrangements for the other two."

"A bed sounds nice, Leonardo. But I am sure Holly would benefit more from it. Perhaps I should take the couch."

"Oh, no." I insisted. "You take the bed. I'm fine on the couch. I'm used to it by now."

"You sure, Holly?" Don asked. "Cuz I can always sleep on the floor."

"You guys are so sweet." I smiled. "No, I'm fine. Take the rooms. And if the couch gets too lumpy for me, I promise I'll let you know."

That settled that. We were all too tired to argue anymore.

As they headed up the stairs, I snuggled up with Buster on the couch. The noises and voices slowly died down, leaving only the sound of the chirping crickets. I closed my eyes and pulled the blanket up to my chin. For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. As my mind drifted, I couldn't help but think about Splinter. I still didn't know what I would do, but my nervousness seemed to have faded. What would the following days bring? I didn't know, and the uncertainty was oddly comforting. A hush seemed to settle over the world. I hugged Buster close, listening to the sound of the crickets as I slipped from consciousness.