Even though life was tough, Raphael seemed more at peace.

Raphael murmured his thanks.

Edwin took Leyla into his arms, gently stroking her hair, and said softly, "Since you've chosen her, make sure you treat her well. She's always been there for you. A really nice woman."

Raphael nodded, taking it in.

Edwin composed himself and said seriously, "So, Raphael, I'll be waiting for you in Duefron."

They shook hands in farewell.

Raphael kissed Leyla's soft cheek one more time before reluctantly leaving.

This was likely the first time since Leyla was born that they had been so close. As Raphael slid into his car seat, he stole one last peek at the restaurant, bidding it a silent farewell.

Edwin cradled Leyla tenderly with one arm, her tiny fingers grasping onto his neck as if sharing secrets in whispers.

A soft grin spread across Edwin's face in response to Leyla's innocent gesture.

Raphael leaned back, a wave of emotions tightening his throat. Opting for a cigarette, he decided to relax his mind.

In that fleeting moment, Leyla ceased to be just Olivia's child to Raphael; she was also a part of himself, his flesh and blood.

Thoughts of his awaiting wife back home offered Raphael a glimmer of comfort amid life's uncertainties.

After arriving in Czanch, Raphael made the call home to tell Elissa that he was safe. It was afternoon, and the sun was casting long shadows.

The maid went to pick up Brantley from school.

Elissa, always attentive, rustled up some fruits and a small plate of beef stew for Brantley, who devoured them with the voracious appetite of a growing lad. With a playful grin, the maid quipped, “Boys this age can eat a horse and still ask for dessert."

Brantley's face flushed with embarrassment as he shot back, “No way!"

Elissa chimed in gently, "She's just teasing, kiddo.”

Brantley felt a lump form in his throat, torn between tears and gratitude. Though he felt embarrassed, a flicker of joy spurred him on, and he attacked his homework with newfound energy.

Elissa reviewed his work with a critical eye, her standards firmer than Raphael's.

Suddenly, the shrill ring of her phone shattered the quietude of the moment.

Brantley breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze fixed on Elissa as she conversed with Raphael, his ears straining to catch every word...

A persistent feeling of doubt gnawed at Brantley's confidence.

In a moment of tenderness, Elissa glanced at him before saying softly into the phone, "He's doing great. And he's eaten plenty."