Leaving the plantation, they crossed a small, rocky road toward the nearest settlement. Dim yellow lights began to flicker on, creating a quiet village surrounded by fields and pine forests. Soon, they came across a simple, two-story inn with an old wooden sign that read:

  Silver Pine Cottage

  The building was simple but clean. The aroma of pine wood mixed with warm coffee greeted them as they entered.

  Arman immediately arranged the room.

  "We'll share a room," he said calmly. "Mahendra and I will share a room. Arga, you'll share a room with Rapid."

  For a moment, Arga stopped walking.

  “What?” he protested. “I have to share a room with this teenager?”

  Quickly just spread a little, deliberately provoking emotions.

  “Don’t worry, Uncle. I don’t snore.”

  Mahendra held back his laughter, while Arman stared at Arga blankly.

  "This isn't a vacation. You're training him. That's an order."

  Arga took a deep breath, slapped his own forehead.

  “Okay, Commander. But if he causes trouble, don’t blame me.”

  He quickly shrugged. “Relax. I’m used to a harder life than you can imagine.”

  They went to their respective rooms.

  Inside Arga & Rapid's Room

  The room was small, containing only two narrow beds, a wooden table, and a window overlooking the forest. The dim light revealed previously hidden details.

  When Rapid took off his melted jacket, Arga answered.

  The teenager's body bore scars: old bruises, thin cuts, cigarette burns, and rough scratches. All spoke of a harsh and brutal life.

  Arga was silent for a moment.

  How cruel the world is to this child…

  Quickly realizing it, his expression turned wary.

  “Don’t mess around,” he said coldly. “I won’t hesitate to kill you.”

  Before he could finish, Arga's hand gripped Rapid's wrist in a lightning-fast motion. Rapid's body tried to resist, but Arga's strength was too strong. In an instant, Rapid was pushed against the wall.

  “This,” Arga said quietly but sharply, “is the first line of defense. You must be ready at all times. The world doesn't give second chances.”

  He let it be.

  Breathing rapidly, he was holding back the pain. But behind his annoyed expression, there was a hint of admiration.

  Arga opened his bag, took out ointment and a small bandage.

  “Treat your wounds.”

  Quickly falling silent, then accepting without a word. Rarely did anyone care about her wounds.

  As Rapid applied the medicine, Arga took off his shirt. A necklace with a crescent moon pendant was clearly visible hanging from it.

  Quick long touch.

  “That…” he said quietly. “That’s why you wanted to talk about Melissa, right?”

  Arga turned sharply. “Little one, just shut up.”

  Quickly, she smiled faintly. "I've seen Melissa wearing the same necklace before. But it's the opposite shape. When combined... it makes a full moon."

  Arga.

  His hand reflexively touched the pendant.

  Old memories flooded back—teenage laughter, simple promises, and untimely airport goodbyes. He chose military academy, and Melisa followed her parents to Los Angeles. From then on, the distance became a thick wall that never truly collapsed.

  "I never thought he was still hidden," Arga muttered softly.

  Quick look. "So this is a delayed love story, huh, girl? Classic. Soldier falls for genius."

  Arga failed, eyebrows raised.

  “You talk too much.”

  BANG!

  A light blow landed on Rapid's head.

  “Ouch! Cheating!”

  “Practice begins.”

  In an instant, the small room transformed into a training arena. Trying to strike quickly, Arga parried easily, gauging his hand position, stance, and balance.

  “Don't use force. Use instinct.”

  “My instincts tell me you’re annoying!”

  “Good. Use it.”

  There was the sound of falling objects, fast footsteps, and the occasional scream from Rapid.

  Outside the room, Mahendra, who was passing by, just shook his head and smiled.

  “Looks like the boy finally met the right teacher.”

  Inside the room, between the punches, the chuckles, and the gasps, a new bond slowly forged—not just one of coach and student, but two souls both tempered by the harshness of the world.

  Shortly after, a light knock was heard on the bedroom door.

  Arman and Mahendra stood in the doorway.

  "Let's go," Arman said curtly. "Let's have dinner. We'll also take a tour of the village. Just think of it as a brief glimpse of the hellish world we usually live in."

  Arga raised an eyebrow. "A vacation? From you guys? That's weird."

  He quickly stood up. “I’m coming!”

  They left the inn and walked along the quiet village streets. Small lamps on the porches of the houses cast a warm glow, children ran around, and the aroma of home-cooked food wafted through the air. The village felt peaceful, a far cry from the dark world they were used to.

  For the first time in a long time, their steps were not about chasing targets, weapons, or time.

  Arman paused for a moment on a small bridge, staring at the river flowing.

  “I almost forgot what it felt like to walk without thinking about death,” he muttered.

  Mahendra smiled faintly. "Every now and then, we need to be reminded that the world isn't always about missions and blood."

  Their views are simply breathtaking.

  “You guys… really live in a different world.”

  Arga slapped Rapid lightly on the head. “And we’re pulling you into a better world.”

  They continued walking until they arrived at a small restaurant, a simple wooden building with a sign that said "Old Willow Diner ." The dim yellow lights, the aroma of warm soup, and the clink of spoons created a peaceful atmosphere.

  They sat in a corner, ordering simple food.

  As the dishes arrived, conversation flowed.

  Arman looked at Rapid. “Tell me about Melisa’s father.”

  Quickly stop for a moment, then take a breath.

  "My uncle... Ethan Cole, used to be a warm man. He loved his wife very much. But since his wife died, he changed. He closed himself off. He wouldn't talk to anyone. Not even me, his own nephew."

  Mahendra listened intently.

  "Now his world is just fields and cats," Rapid continued. "He has lots of cats in his house. He talks to them, not to humans."

  Arga held back a smile. “An old man and an army of cats.”

  “Don’t remember,” Rapid said. “Those cats are the only ones he trusts.”

  Mahendra put down his spoon slowly.

  “Then… we don't approach him as a human.”

  All.

  "Let's get closer to the world," Mahendra continued. "Tomorrow, we'll see it for ourselves."

  Arman nodded slowly. “Interesting idea.”

  The conversation turned lighthearted. Rapid talked about his childhood, his little pranks, and how he learned to steal to survive. Arga occasionally made a few jokes, provoking laughter. Furthermore, the usually cool Arman smiled a few times.

  For a moment, they forgot that the world out there was still full of conspiracies and dangers.

  After eating, they walked back to the hotel under the starry sky.

  The night breeze was cool, carrying the scent of wet grass.

  “This is a nice village,” Arga murmured. “If life were normal, I might want to retire in a place like this.”

  Quickly take care of it. “Seriously?”

  “No. I'll be bored in a week.”

  They chuckled.

  At the Inn – Before Bedtime

  In Arman and Mahendra's room, the atmosphere was silent again.

  Mahendra closed his laptop, then turned his head.

  “You tried contacting Van?”

  Arman shook his head slowly. "Let our friend, the Prime Minister, be busy loving his people. We have our own goals here."

  Mahendra smiled slightly.

  “Right. Besides… Reza and Fikri are waiting for us.”

  Arman looked at the sky behind the window.

  Silence returned to the room. But now, the silence wasn't tension—it was a pause before the next storm.

  The next morning, the inn was much livelier. The aroma of hot coffee and toast filled the small dining room.

  Mahendra opened his tablet, then looked at everything with a serious look.

  "Focus today," he said. "Arga, give Rapid full training. Physically, reflexes, and mentally. Don't give him any mercy."

  Arga sighed heavily. "I know... the fate of a soldier begins, wherever he goes, he'll always be a trainer."

  Quickly just smiled broadly. “I’m ready!”

  Mahendra turned to Arman. "Regarding Melisa's father, you and I will handle it."

  Arman picked up briefly.

  Shortly after, they parted ways. Arga took Rapid to the open field behind the inn, while Arman and Mahendra drove to the plantation where the old man worked.

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  On the Plantation

  Their car stopped a short distance from the fields. They walked leisurely, blending in with their surroundings.

  The plantation was vast, green, and vibrant. Workers, mostly village women, were busy picking the harvest. No one suspected anything, despite the conspicuous presence of the two burly men.

  Soon, an old car creaked slowly and stopped under a large tree near a small hut.

  An old man descended slowly. His hair was gray, his steps were calm, and his eyes held a long sadness.

  “Him,” Arman muttered.

  Mahendra nodded. “Etan Cole.”

  Mahendra opened his eyes. "Okay. It's time."

  Arman turned around in surprise. “What time?”

  "You wait here. Keep an eye on him. I'll be going for a bit."

  Arman's eyes lit up slightly. "Of the hundreds of bloody missions I've been on, this is the hardest one—spying on an old man who can't even kill an ant."

  Mahendra just smiled faintly, then left in the car.

  Arman stood alone, watching as the plantation workers began to look at him.

  Arman grumbled inwardly, usually Van Arzelo was the center of attention. Now I was the one in the spotlight.

  Some mothers even whispered while smiling shyly.

  Arman averted his gaze, a little awkward. This was the first time he had been exposed to public scrutiny.

  Mahendra's Crazy Plan

  Less than twenty minutes later, Mahendra returned.

  In his hand… a small gray kitten, meowing softly.

  Arman's eyes widened. "Where did you get that?"

  Mahendra didn't answer. He immediately walked quickly toward Ethan's old car.

  Arman chased after him. “Hey, what are—”

  Suddenly Mahendra took out a small knife from his pocket, then stabbed it into the car tire.

  PSSTTSSSSS…

  The air comes out quickly.

  Arman reflexively held back his voice. "WOW! Are you crazy?!"

  Mahendra whispered, “Shut up. Trust me.”

  He then removed the spare tire, hid it in their car, and carefully placed the kitten near the front wheel.

  “Why a cat?” whispered Arman.

  Mahendra stared at the cat. “Because this is the only creature that man trusts.”

  Shortly after, Ethan returned to the car, probably to get supplies.

  As soon as he saw the little kitten, his facial expression immediately changed.

  He crucified slowly.

  “Hello, sweetie… are you lost?”

  He gently picked the cat up. “Relax. You’re safe now.”

  The old eyes softened. A small smile appeared.

  But when he stood up, he saw that his tire was flat.

  Ethan.

  Prohibition of Staring.

  Staring at the cat.

  Then he smiled slightly. “Oh… so you’re the perpetrator, huh?”

  He stroked the cat's head gently, not at all angry.

  But he looked confused. As an extremely introverted helper, he wasn't used to asking anyone questions.

  He stood o.

  That's when Mahendra and Arman approached.

  First Contact

  “Excuse me, sir.”

  Ethan reflexively took one step back. His eyes were alert, as if he was about to run.

  Mahendra immediately lowered his voice.

  "We're just tourists. Our car was working on it earlier too. We saw your tire was flat. Maybe we can help."

  Ethan looked doubtfully.

  He bent down, hugged the cat tightly, then whispered softly, almost inaudibly.

  “I… don't like talking.”

  Mahendra nodded slowly. "It's okay. We didn't talk much anyway."

  Arman pulled out a simple toolkit from the trunk. “We can change the tire.”

  Ethan watched them for a long time, his gaze as if assessing their intentions.

  Finally, he gave a small nod.

  Mahendra and Arman worked quickly. Their movements were neat and efficient, almost too professional for mere tourists.

  Ethan watched silently.

  A few minutes later, the ban was put up.

  Mahendra stood up. “Done, sir.”

  Ethan looked at their work, then looked at Mahendra's face.

  "Thank You."

  His voice was soft, but sincere.

  Mahendra smiled slightly. “You’re welcome.”

  The little cat suddenly jumped onto Arman's shoulder.

  Arman reflexively tensed. “Hey—”

  But the cat just rubbed its head, purring.

  Ethan stared at Arman for a long time, surprised.

  “He… rarely wants to be close to strangers.”

  Arman smiled faintly. “Maybe he knows who’s sincere.”

  For a moment, the distance between them melted.

  Mahendra exchanged glances with Arman.

  First contact: successful.

  After the old man's tire was replaced, Arman and Mahendra prepared to leave. Arman slowly closed the trunk while Mahendra cleaned the dust and dirt from his hands.

  But just a few steps after they had taken it, the old man's voice was heard.

  "A moment…"

  .

  The old man stood hesitantly by his car, cradling a small cat to his chest. His face looked awkward, as if he were fighting against a habit that had held him captive for years.

  “Perhaps… tourists like you… need some hot tea and some biscuits. Stop by my cottage for a bit.”

  The sentence was simple, but for himself, it was the biggest step in the last five years.

  Since his wife died, he had hardly invited anyone over. He even avoided the garden workers.

  Mahendra caught a subtle tremor in the man's voice.

  He smiled faintly. “With pleasure, sir.”

  Arman nodded. “We are truly honored.”

  looking at the old man a little trembling.

  For the first time since losing his wife, he felt… recognized. Not as a burden, not as a freak, but as a human being who still existed.

  Inside the small hut, the atmosphere was warm. Tea steamed from old cups, the aroma of dry biscuits mixed with the scent of earth and weathered wood.

  The old man sat down slowly, staring at the steaming tea in front of him.

  “My name is Ethan,” he said finally.

  Mahendra replied, “Mahendra. This is Arman.”

  Ethan nodded slightly. He thought for a moment, then said softly, “It’s been five years… I’ve been living here alone.”

  There was no complaint. Just a long, pent-up exhaustion.

  “My wife… died of an illness. Since then, the world has seemed to stop.”

  He took a deep breath.

  “Every morning I wake up, go to work, feed the cats, and then go back to sleep. No noise, no laughter. Just silence.”

  Arman stretched out his finger slowly.

  Mahendra let Ethan continue, without interrupting.

  "I only have one child. Melisa. She works in the city. She rarely comes home. Maybe… she'll be back in two days."

  Mahendra raised his teacup, hiding a small smile behind the warm steam.

  Arman restrained himself from overreacting.

  Ethan smiled faintly. “Maybe one of you… could marry her.”

  Mahendra almost admired the tea.

  In his heart he laughed bitterly.

  Yes, there is. But he's stubborn, overprotective, and can barely place romance.

  But only inwardly.

  On the outside, he just smiled politely. “Melisa must be an amazing girl.”

  Ethan raised his head proudly.

  After drinking tea, Mahendra stood up.

  “If you don't agree, we'd like to help in the garden.”

  Ethan was surprised. “You guys… want to work?”

  Arman smiled faintly. “We want to repay the kindness.”

  Without further ado, they got to work.

  Arman lifted sacks of seeds, arranged air ducts, and repaired a small fence that was about to collapse. His movements were swift and precise, far from the typical tourist.

  Mahendra was busy checking the irrigation flow, rearranging the water lines so that the crops would receive a more even distribution.

  Ethan watched them in disbelief.

  Who are they really…?

  Pain approaching.

  The sky turned red, the light of the evening sun disturbed the fields.

  As Arman and Mahendra were getting ready to leave, Ethan suddenly said, “If you guys don’t have anything else to do tonight… I’d like to entertain my guests at home. A simple dinner.”

  Mahendra almost smiled broadly.

  "With pleasure."

  Arman glanced at him.

  What a cunning change…

  As he walked towards the car, Mahendra said , “Pick them up too.”

  Arman nodded. “Of course.”

  Arriving at the inn, Arman immediately headed to the backyard, where Arga was training Rapid.

  His debut was still steaming. Breathing rapidly, he leaned on his knees, sweat dripping profusely.

  Arga folded his arms, shaking his head slightly. “You’re getting faster.”

  Smiles get tired quickly.

  Suddenly Arman's voice was heard, "Get ready. We're leaving."

  Arga turned sharply. “Now?”

  "Now."

  Quickly look up. "Where to?"

  Arman slapped Rapid on the shoulder. “There’s a surprise.”

  Rapid's eyes widened. "What surprise?"

  "By car."

  Arga took a deep breath. “Seriously, I wasn’t even told?”

  Arman stared blankly. “You’ll find out on the way.”

  “Trust me,” he said casually, “this boy will remember this day for the rest of his life.”

  He quickly swallowed his saliva, his heart pounding.

  The car drove towards the fields.

  The old house stood lonely in the middle of the fields. The paint was peeling, the wooden windows faded with age, but it still radiated an honest warmth.

  When Ethan opened the door and invited him in, Mahendra stepped in slowly, his eyes sweeping every corner of the room.

  The house is simple. Too simple.

  It was a bit messy, with a light dust clinging to some of the furniture, a pile of old newspapers in the corner, and a slanted wooden shelf filled with worn books. It was clear that this house had been run by one tired person for a long time.

  On a small table near the window, Mahendra looked at a photo album.

  He stopped.

  Ethan watched her, then smiled faintly.

  “That… is a memory that I see every day.”

  Mahendra approached. With a small nod of permission, he slowly opened the album.

  First photo: a woman smiling warmly, hugging a little girl and a young man.

  Melissa. Ethan's mother.

  The following photos show Melisa's growth — from a cheerful, laughing little girl, to a beautiful teenager, to a grown woman with eyes full of hope.

  Mahendra spit.

  In his heart, he whispered:

  Arga is crazy about his pants…

  Melissa is indeed beautiful. But more than that—there's a light in her smile. A light that few possess.

  Mahendra smiled slightly, remembering Arga's stubborn face that turned awkward every time Melisa's name was mentioned.

  Ethan was busy in the small kitchen, preparing dinner. The sound of pans and plates clattering against each other created a warm, simple rhythm.

  “I don’t often cook,” she said from the kitchen. “It’s usually just for myself. So… sorry if it tastes weird.”

  Arman smiled faintly. "Cooking made with good intentions always tastes good."

  Ethan was silent for a moment, then nodded.

  They had just sat down at the small dining table when the sound of a car was heard outside.

  Ethan.

  “Oh, it looks like your friend has come.”

  He stood up, walked towards the door, opened it slowly.

  As soon as the door opened, his body froze.

  In the doorway stood Rapid.

  With wide eyes, short breath, and trembling body.

  “P… Uncle…?”

  Ethan su.

  The face of the boy who had only been present in his memory now stood before him.

  "Fast…?"

  In an instant, Rapid ran and hugged the old man tightly.

  Her tears broke out.

  “Uncle… I miss you…”

  Ethan's body was shaking violently.

  His hands rose hesitantly, then hugged him back tightly.

  Her tears fell uncontrollably.

  “Oh my… forgive me, Uncle… forgive me, Uncle…”

  A quick cry in his chest, broken up.

  “I looked for Uncle… for a long time… but Uncle always closed the door… I was afraid Uncle hated me…”

  Ethan hugged her tighter, sobbing.

  “No… no… Stupid uncle… Sleeping uncle… Uncle closed himself off… even to his own family…”

  Arman and Mahendra.

  No one could speak.

  Only the sound of crying filled the old house.

  After calming down a bit, they sat down together.

  Rapid began to tell his story, his voice soft, sometimes interrupted by sobs.

  “Mom… is sick, Uncle… it takes so long… the hospital is expensive… I… I have to endure…”

  He.

  “I stole… gambled… became a pickpocket… I knew it was wrong… but I had no choice…”

  Ethan covered his face with both hands.

  Her tears broke out again.

  “I… I never even knew my little brother was sick… I closed the door to the world… until I forgot that I still had a family…”

  Quickly stretched out his uncle's hand.

  “Uncle is not wrong… I never forced you either… I just hope that one day you will open the door…”

  Ethan pulled Rapid into his arms.

  “I'm sorry… I'm sorry, son…”

  That night, the old house witnessed two souls who had been separated for a long time finally meeting again.

  Crying.

  Hug.

  Prayer.

  And old wounds are slowly starting to heal.

  After a simple dinner, Ethan said quietly, "You guys... stay here. This house... has been quiet for too long."

  Mahendra exchanged glances with Arman.

  "We were planning to stay for a few days," Mahendra replied. "We'll help renovate the house."

  Turn around quickly. "Are you serious?!"

  Arga smiled slightly. “Just think of it as a training reward.”

  Quickly laughing through the remaining tears.

  For the first time in years, laughter filled the house.

  The night was getting late.

  Under the light of an old lamp, they sat together, planning home improvements.

  In two days, Melisa will come home.

  Two days passed in the old house, but it felt like two full months of new life.

  Since the arrival of Arman, Mahendra, Arga, and Rapid, the once quiet house has become a center of warmth.

  The old man — Ethan — seemed to have come back to life.

  Every morning he wakes up excited. Cooking for everyone, joking with the neighbors, watering the plants while whistling

  Every now and then, you could hear his free laugh — something that hadn't been heard in the last five years.

  Arman, Mahendra, and Arga were also immersed in the atmosphere.

  For a moment…

  They forgot that they are the core of NOX AEGIS.

  They forgot about the dark world, bloody missions, global hunts, and invisible threats.

  In this small village, they are just ordinary men who feel the meaning of family.

  That afternoon, Mahendra sat on the edge of a small field, wiping away sweat. He took out his cell phone.

  An incoming message.

  From Reza and Fikri.

  The photo shows the two of them sitting relaxed in the military canteen near the river — the usual place where the five of them gather.

  The message is short:

  We're fine. The cafeteria still smells of stale coffee. We wait.

  Mahendra smiled.

  He quickly replied with a photo: himself, Arman, Arga, Rapid, and the village children creating a hilarious scene on the football field.

  We're fine too. Wait for us to come home.

  In his heart, Mahendra whispered, Alhamdulillah…

  As dusk approached, they walked back to the old house.

  But their steps slowed down when they saw a luxury car parked in front of the house.

  Arga stopped suddenly.

  His chest was pounding.

  “He… has come…”

  Arman and Mahendra looked at each other.

  When the door opened, the sight inside made them all remember.

  A woman stood in the small living room.

  Her black hair was neatly styled, and her face was beautiful, with a calm and mature aura. She sat beside Ethan, chatting warmly.

  Melissa.

  Elimination value.

  The world seemed to stop turning.

  Twenty years.

  Twenty years of searching, longing, prayer, and failure.

  Now he stood before her eyes.

  Melissa.

  Their gazes met.

  And suddenly, Melisa's eyes collapsed.

  He stood up slowly, stepped closer, then stopped a few steps in front of Arga.

  His voice is encouraged.

  “…Arga?”

  The name came out so slowly, as if afraid of making a mistake.

  Arga swallowed, his voice hoarse.

  “Melisa…”

  There are no more words.

  Melisa promised her face, her tears flowing profusely.

  Without a word, he turned and left the house, running towards the small field behind.

  “Melisa!” Arga chased after her.

  Arman, Mahendra, and Rapid just think about it.

  They know, this is not a matter they can interfere in.

  In the small field, Melisa stopped.

  The afternoon wind blew through her hair, tears continued to flow.

  Arga stood a few meters behind him.

  “Why did you leave without a word?” Arga’s voice was hoarse. “I’ve been looking everywhere… for twenty years…”

  Melisa laughed a little, bitterly.

  “Looking?” He turned around. “Do you know what it feels like to be left without a message? Without a promise?”

  “I entered the military academy…” Arga tried to explain. “I had no choice…”

  “You always say that,” Melisa interrupted. “You chose your path. And I chose to leave.”

  Arga stepped closer.

  “For twenty years, I never touched another woman.”

  Melissa.

  "I rejected everything. Career, marriage, normal life. Because in my head, there was only one face."

  He stood right in front of Melisa.

  "You."

  Melisa bit her lip, her chest tight.

  "You're lying…"

  “I swear on my life.”

  Arga opens the necklace to contemplate — the half moon.

  “Do you still remember this?”

  Melissa was shocked. Her hand reflexively touched the necklace on the reminder—the same half moon.

  When combined, they form a full moon.

  Her tears fell even harder.

  “You é…

  “I never let go.”

  Melisa sobbed, hitting Arga's chest gently.

  “Stupid… you are really stupid…”

  Arga hugged her.

  And Melisa let herself sink into that embrace.

  Inside the house, the atmosphere was very different.

  Ethan stood with a dark face.

  “You guys… manipulated me…”

  Mahendra stepped forward. "We just want to reunite our separated families."

  “You betrayed my trust!”

  “No, sir.” Mahendra stared straight ahead. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure Rapid can meet his uncle. So that Melisa can come home.”

  Ethan's anger was deliberating.

  “Get out of my house!”

  At that moment, Rapid's cell phone rang.

  He looked at the screen.

  Hospital number.

  His hands trembled as he answered.

  "Doctor?"

  The face changed quickly.

  “So…?” her voice trembled.

  A few seconds passed.

  Then Rapid dropped his phone and cried.

  “Mom… mom is getting better…”

  All.

  "Mother can go home... in two days..."

  Ran quickly to hug Mahendra, then Arman.

  “Thank you… thank you…”

  Ethan is authorized.

  “Hospital bills…” She sobbed quickly. “They paid for everything… ten thousand dollars…”

  Ethan looked at them with teary eyes.

  Her body was shaking.

  He slowly sat down on the chair.

  “I… misjudged you guys…”

  He is deep in the earth.

  "Forgive me…"

  Mahendra just smiled faintly.

  “Family is more important than any plan.”

  Not long after, Melisa and Arga returned.

  Melisa held Arga's hand tightly.

  Ethan stood up while hugging his daughter.

  “Forgive me, Dad…”

  Melisa cried on his chest.

  That night, the old house was filled with tears, laughter, and a warmth that had not been present for years.

  Five injured souls, slowly healing.

  And amidst that warmth, a new destiny began to move.