She'd been to many places all over the world.

But not Geveland or Merblune.

She looked amazing in those photos. It was clear she was getting better with time.

He, on the other hand, felt stuck in this house and like he was rotting away.

When Alexis had left Duefron, it had been tough for Leonel. He'd wait by the window, hoping for her postcards.

Noreen had avoided him then, scared of his repeated question day after day—"Did Alexis send anything?"

But no postcards came. So he had someone take photos for him.

He missed Alexis and Cordelia dearly.

She was such a cute little girl.

Seeing the pictures, he felt he was watching Cordelia grow. Her hair started thin, then thickened, just Like Alexis’.

He could still feel the warmth of holding Cordelia at the airport.

Leonel's hands shook suddenly.

He placed the photo on his chest and turned off the Light in silence.

The night dragged on with his battle against pain.

Like every night had for months now.

Early in the morning, the birds chirped outside.

Someone pulled into the yard. Leonel recognized Marcus’ Rolls-Royce, so he didn't rush out of bed. After a while, when he heard footsteps, he struggled into his robe and shuffled to the living room.

Marcus entered and Leonel lit a cigarette.

As his ex-brother-in-law, Marcus carried boxes of local goods, leaning against the door, sneering, "Nova told me some idiot tried going upstairs actually using the stairs last night. And he screamed all night from the pain! I thought I'd see if you were still kicking... Damn it, Leonel! Quit the smoking and drinking, you fool!"

Marcus snatched the cigarette and stubbed it out.