ence Room, An

table sat the bulky man, towering even while seated, his sharp, hazel eyes fixed on the staff member presenting at the front of the room. His jet-black hair, slicked

sustainability, a pitch for how the new resort their company was building would incorporate nature-friendly practices-an attempt to calm the outrage of environmental acti

ng natural growth and promoting eco-friendly tourism will not only pr

ative. No, his mind was elsewhere, on something-or rather, someone-that had lifted his spirits that day. He knew his family was returning soon. A family tha

, his deep voice cutting through the room. "And how do you pla

e noticeable. "W-We will limit the number of visitors each season and implem

exhaled in relief as she realized she had passed the first of many tests. The rest of

ile, i

yvon, were splashing about. The warm glow of the setting sun cast long shadows over the water, their laughter echoing off the marble tiles. The sight filled Emelia wi

tice Tyrone standing behind her until she felt the gentle pressure of his hand on her back. He

ht?" he as

, you know? I've been so scared... that if I did, he'd come and take them away from

fall. "Hey, don't think like that. You've raised these kids on your own

had once reassured her in the same way. That reassurance had led to her beautiful children, but it had also opened a chapter

rey! Time

gures wrapped in grey and wine-colored towels that hung over their necks. As they appr

eyes sparkling with innocence. "Mommy, why

ad, smiling as she placed a hand on each of their shoul

ive, narrowed her hazel eye

eaded, but she knew it couldn't be avoided forever. "I wanted to ask...

u don't talk about him because you don't want to. And that's okay

tening even more at her son's

"I'm not mad at you, Mom. But if I ever meet him, I'll make sure he eats sou

ing them both into a warm hug. "Thank you

en them palpable. It was moments like this that reminded Emelia why she had fought

ing herself for the next topic. "Listen, there's something I need to

urious but not alarmed. Trey t

ig modelling deal, remember? But while we're there, I need you

ces and then, in unison,

eyes fixed on the night sky. The stars twinkled above, indifferent to her worries. She exhaled slowly, her mind heavy with thoughts of the past, the

o herself, "I hope I'm

n the quietness of the night. She had made her decision, and soon enough, the past she'd been ru