Chapter 34: Reunion

The day of the vote arrived with a tense atmosphere hanging over the city. Crowds gathered outside polling stations, their murmurs of anticipation rising with each passing moment. Inside the voting booths, citizens cast their ballots, their choices shaping the future of the nation.

In the heart of the city, the team gathered in a makeshift headquarters, their eyes glued to the screens displaying the live election results. Montana manned the computer, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he monitored the incoming data. Edith sat beside him, her hands clasped tightly together as she watched the numbers fluctuate with bated breath.

As the final votes were tallied, the tension in the room reached its peak. Kasey’s voice broke through the silence, his words carrying a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "It's close," he announced, his eyes scanning the screen. "But I think we've done it."

A hush fell over the room as the announcement of the winner flashed on the screen. Cameron Jones: 55% of the vote. The team erupted into cheers, their jubilant shouts echoing through the room as they embraced each other in celebration.

"We did it!" Edith exclaimed, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "Cameron won!"

As the news spread throughout the city, the streets erupted into celebration. Crowds cheered and waved flags, their joyous cries echoing through the night. For the first time in years, there was hope in the air, a sense of optimism for the future.

The following day, Cameron stood before a throng of supporters, his voice ringing out with confidence and determination. "I am humbled and honored to accept the position of President of Crocari," he declared, his words met with thunderous applause. "Together, we will work tirelessly to build a brighter future for all our citizens."

The team watched from the sidelines, their hearts filled with pride as Cameron took the oath of office. It was a moment of triumph, the culmination of months of hard work and sacrifice. And as Cameron raised his hand to swear his allegiance to the people, they knew that their journey was far from over, but that they had taken a crucial step towards a better tomorrow.

–

After a wekk of recuperation in the hospital, Edith was finally discharged and returned home to her parents' house. The familiar surroundings brought her a sense of comfort, but there was an underlying feeling of emptiness that lingered within her.

Lying in her childhood bed, Edith stared up at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting to Zain. She missed the reassuring presence of her friend, the sound of his voice, the warmth of his smile. But she knew he was miles away in Springncanor, attending to his own affairs.

Sighing softly, Edith rolled onto her side. She longed for the familiar banter and camaraderie they shared, the easy companionship that had grown between them over the weeks. Sure, they argued often but they always got over it, always came back together for the team. As she lay there in the quiet of her room, Edith couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. She missed the late-night conversations and the shared laughter, the moments of understanding and comfort.

Meanwhile, Zain returning to his apartment in Springncanor, he felt an unexpected sense of emptiness wash over him. The once-familiar space now seemed devoid of life, the silence echoing off the bare walls.

As he stepped inside, Zain couldn't help but notice the absence of furniture and personal belongings. Because he spent all his downtime at the office, he had neglected to create a home for himself, never staying in one place long enough to put down roots.

Now, as he stood in the center of the room, Zain realized just how empty his life had become. The neatly made bed seemed too large and too pristine, a heavy reminder of the emptiness that surrounded him.

Lying down on the bed, Zain closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. He missed the warmth of Edith's presence, the sound of her laughter, he missed her stubbornness, the fun of the challenge she proposed.

In the quiet of his apartment, Zain found himself thinking about the night they spent together in the hotel room. He knows that they agreed never to bring it up again, but he couldn’t help but wonder how she felt about it. Or after their capture when they slept in the woods, or the hours they spent in the tree planning, and talking. Did she feel the same way?

As he lay there in the dim light, Zain couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that enveloped him. He missed Edith more than he cared to admit, and he couldn't help but wonder when they would be reunited once again. He hoped–not that he’d ever admit it–to see her soon. 

Just then his phone buzzed on his nightstand, the noise echoing across the empty space. Zain picked it up and saw an unknown number, rolling his eyes he picked it up and answered.

“Hello?” He said bringing it to his ear and he sat up.

“Hi, I called you because I was wondering if you would stop by and pick up Edith for work?” A woman answered, her voice immediately recognizable as Edith's mother. 

Zain stood by his bed, his heart heavy with concern as he listened to Margie's plea. He understood her worries all too well, having seen the toll recent events had taken on Edith. With a deep sigh, he nodded, even though she couldn't see him through the phone.

"I can, but why do you want me to? Did something happen?" Zain asked, his voice laced with concern.

Margie's sigh came through the line, heavy with unspoken fears. "Not exactly, Calum and I just feel better if she’s with someone. We don’t want anything else to happen to her," she explained.

Zain nodded, understanding their worry. "Does she know I’m coming over? Why didn’t she call me herself?" he inquired, his mind racing with questions.

There was a pause before Calum spoke, his voice tinged with frustration. "Hey, this is Calum. We presented the idea to Edith and she hated it, saying that we were babying her and that she could take care of herself. We aren’t trying to undermine her, we’re just concerned for her and honestly afraid she’ll keep us in the dark again," he explained.

Zain was silent as he thought. He understood where they were coming from, Edith lied to them for years about her career, her lifestyle, everything. Which led to her parents finding out via news, and propaganda calling their daughter a traitor. Then she almost died, and her parents couldn’t be there to care fo her until days later.

Zain bit his lip, feeling torn between respecting Edith's independence and ensuring her safety. "Okay, I’ll come over but I can’t guarantee that she’ll be willing to come with me," he finally replied, his resolve firm.

"Thank you, Zain. That’s all we can ask after all you’ve done for our daughter," Margie said gratefully, her voice softening with relief.

Zain ended the call and pocketed his phone, a sense of determination settling over him. He grabbed his keys and headed out the door, his mind already forming a plan to approach Edith about the situation.

Zain's footsteps echoed in the hallway as he made his way to his car, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. He glanced at the address on his phone, taking in the neighborhood where Edith's parents lived.

As he drove, Zain couldn't shake the unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. The thought of Edith’s likely anger when he arrived and her parents pushy-ness only added to his concern. He couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right.

Arriving at the Wood residence, Zain parked his car and made his way to the front door. He hesitated for a moment before ringing the doorbell, unsure of what to expect.

The door swung open, revealing Edith's father, Calum, standing on the other side. His usually cheerful demeanor was replaced by a look of concern as he greeted Zain.

"Thanks for coming, Zain," Calum said, stepping aside to let him in. "She's upstairs in her room."

Zain nodded, his heart pounding in his chest as he followed Calum inside. He climbed the stairs, each step feeling heavier than the last, until he reached Edith's bedroom door.

Taking a deep breath, Zain knocked softly before pushing the door open. Edith was sitting on her bed, her back against the headboard, staring out the window with a distant look in her eyes.

"Hey," Zain said softly, stepping into the room. "Your parents asked me to come pick you up for work."

Edith turned to look at him, a mixture of surprise and annoyance flashing across her face. "Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration. "I told them I'm fine."

Zain took a seat beside her, his expression serious. "I know, but they're worried about you," he said gently. "And after everything that's happened, I can't blame them."

Edith sighed, running a hand through her hair. "And? I’m my own person, I can make my own decisions!” 

Zain reached out and took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Nobody ever said that you couldn’t, your parents just want to protect you. Edith, I understand that you're frustrated," Zain said, trying to keep his tone calm. "But your parents are worried, and they have every right to be."

Edith folded her arms across her chest, her expression defiant. "I don't care. I'm tired of everyone treating me like I'm some fragile thing," she retorted, her voice tinged with irritation.

"It's not about treating you like you're fragile, Edith. It's about making sure you're safe," Zain countered, his patience starting to wear thin.

"I am safe!" Edith exclaimed, her frustration boiling over. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

Zain sighed, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. "I know you are, but sometimes it's not just about what you're capable of. It's about what others need to feel at ease."

Edith's expression softened slightly, but her defiance remained. "I just hate feeling like I'm being coddled," she admitted, her voice quieter now.

Zain took a step closer, his gaze steady. "I get that. But your parents love you, Edith. They just want to make sure you're okay," he said, his tone gentle.

Edith's resolve wavered, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her eyes. "I know," she muttered, her arms dropping to her sides. "But it's still frustrating."

Zain reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, offering her a sympathetic smile. "I know it is. But hey, we'll get through this together, okay?" he said, his voice soft.

After a moment of hesitation, Edith nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Okay," she agreed, her tone more accepting.

With that, they headed out of the room and towards the car, their argument resolved for now. But as they drove to work, Zain couldn't shake the feeling that Edith's frustration ran deeper than just her parents' concern.

—

The train rumbled steadily along the tracks, the rhythmic clacking providing a soothing backdrop to Cian's thoughts. He leaned back in his seat, staring out the window as the landscape rolled by. The familiar sights of Floradé passed in a blur, bringing back memories both bitter and sweet.

As the train pulled into the station, Cian gathered his bags and stepped out onto the platform. The air was filled with the scent of flowers and the sound of chatter as people bustled about their day. Taking a deep breath, Cian set off towards the street where he grew up.

The neighborhood hadn't changed much since he left, the narrow streets lined with colorful houses and bustling shops. He walked past familiar landmarks, memories flooding back with each step. Finally, he reached the small house where he grew up.

Taking a moment to compose himself, Cian knocked on the door. It swung open moments later, revealing a woman with tired eyes and a warm smile.

"Cian, is that really you?" his mother exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and joy.

Cian couldn't help but smile at the sight of her. "Hey, Mom," he said, his voice soft. "It's good to see you."

His mother pulled him into a tight embrace, holding him close as if she never wanted to let go. "I've missed you so much," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Cian hugged her back, feeling a lump form in his throat. "I've missed you too, Mom," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

After a moment, they pulled apart, and his mother ushered him inside. The house was cozy and familiar, filled with the scent of home-cooked meals and the sound of laughter.

As they sat down at the kitchen table, Cian's younger sister entered the room, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw him.

"Cian!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to hug him tightly. "I can't believe you're here!"

Cian chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Hey, Mia," he said, his heart swelling with love for his little sister. 

After spending the day catching up with his family, Cian reached into his bag and pulled out a small wrapped box. "I got something for you, Mia," he said, holding it out to his younger sister.

Mia's eyes lit up with excitement as she eagerly took the gift. "For me? What is it?" she asked, tearing open the wrapping paper.

Inside was a delicate necklace, a small pendant in the shape of a flower. Mia gasped in delight, her fingers tracing the intricate design. "It's beautiful, Cian! Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. 

His maman smiled and ushered Mia off to bed her necklace clutched in her hand. Cian smiled, hugging her back before turning to greet his older sister, Isabelle, who had just entered the room.

"Isabelle, it's been too long," he said, giving her a warm hug.

Isabelle returned the embrace, her eyes filled with warmth. "Cian, it's wonderful to see you," she said, her voice tinged with emotion. He nodded and gestured to the kitchen table sitting down, the weight of the soon to be confession heavy in his heart.

Once they were all seated at the kitchen table, Cian took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "There's something I need to tell you both," he said, his voice serious.

His mother and sister exchanged concerned glances, their eyes fixed on him as he continued.

"I... I've been struggling with something for a while now," Cian began, his voice faltering slightly. "I... I have a drinking problem."

Cian's admission hung heavy in the air, his mother's eyes filling with tears of both sorrow and anger.

"You've been drinking?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with emotion. "Do you have any idea how worried we've been about you? How many sleepless nights we've spent wondering if you were safe? And all this time, you've been drowning your sorrows in alcohol!"

Cian winced at the accusation, his own frustration bubbling to the surface. "I didn't ask for your worry, Mom!" he shot back, his voice laced with bitterness. "I didn't ask for any of this!"

Isabelle's expression hardened, her disappointment turning to fury. "Damn it, Cian!" she snapped, her voice cutting like a knife. "Do you have any idea what you've put us through? We've had to watch you self-destruct from afar while you hid behind your pride and your damn bottles!"

Cian felt his anger flare, his chest heaving with emotion. "Don't you dare lecture me about pride!" he spat, his voice rising in defiance. "You don't know what it's been like for me! You don't know what I've had to deal with!"

His mother's eyes flashed with anger, her fists clenched at her sides. "And what about us, Cian? What about your family? Do we mean nothing to you?"

Cian's heart twisted at her words, the weight of his guilt bearing down on him like a ton of bricks. "No, of course not," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "You mean everything to me."

Isabelle's expression softened slightly, her anger tempered by her concern. "Then why didn't you come to us sooner?" she asked, her voice pleading. "Why did you have to wait until things got so bad?"

Cian's jaw clenched as he struggled to find an answer. "I... I don't know," he admitted, his voice filled with frustration and shame. "I thought I could handle it on my own. I thought I could fix it."

His mother's eyes brimmed with tears, her voice trembling with emotion. "But you can't fix it alone, Cian," she said softly, her voice breaking. "You need help, and we're here to give it to you."

Cian's resolve wavered as he looked at his mother and sister, their love and concern shining through their anger. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm so sorry."

With tears streaming down his face, Cian reached out and embraced his family, feeling their arms wrap around him in a comforting embrace. In that moment, surrounded by their love and forgiveness, he knew that he wasn't alone in his struggle. And with their support, he was ready to face his demons head-on.

Isabelle's hands tightened around Cian's shoulders, her voice trembling with fear and desperation. "You can't go back, Cian," she pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You saw what happened, you saw the danger you're in. How can you expect to go back and face that?"

Cian's resolve remained firm, his eyes burning with determination. "Because I have to," he insisted, his voice raw with emotion. "If I had been there sooner, maybe I could have stopped what happened to Dad."

Isabelle's heart shattered at his words, the weight of their family's tragedy crashing down on her once again. She reached out, pulling Cian into a tight embrace as they both wept for the loss they had suffered.

His mother shook her head as she joined the embrace running her fingers through his hair, “Oh mon fils, that was not your fault, and it never will be.”

"We can't lose you too, Cian," Isabelle whispered, her voice choked with tears. "We can't bear to lose another one of our family."

Cian's sobs echoed through the room as he clung to his mother, the pain of their shared grief tearing at his soul. "I'm sorry," he choked out, his voice breaking. "I'm so sorry."

Isabelle and their mother, exchanged a worried glance, their hearts aching for him. Finally, Isabelle took a deep breath, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hands.

"Okay," she said softly, her eyes filled with tears. "Okay, you can go back. But we're going to need you to promise us something."

Cian looked up, his eyes red and swollen from crying. "Anything," he vowed, his voice hoarse.

"We want daily phone calls," Isabelle declared, her voice firm. "Every day, without fail. Just to let us know that you're safe."

Cian nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "I promise," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Just then, Mia emerged from her room, clutching something in her hands. She shuffled over to where Cian sat, her eyes filled with sadness.

"I... I don't need this anymore," she said softly, holding out a small teddy bear. "Daddy made it for me before he went away. It has his voice in it. But... I think you need it more than I do."

Cian's heart shattered at her words, tears streaming down his face as he took the teddy bear in his hands. "Thank you, Mia," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you."

Cian held Mia tightly as they moved to the couch, the weight of the teddy bear comforting in his arms. He sank into the cushions, Mia nestled against his side, her small hand clutching his shirt.

Carefully, he pressed the small button on the bear's paw, and a familiar voice filled the room, speaking in the soft cadence of their native Florade'ian.

"Ta sœur et ton frère, Cian, tu dois les protéger. Isabelle, ma fille forte et belle, ne perds jamais ta lumière. Cian, mon garçon sensible et doux, ne laisse jamais personne éteindre ton éclat. Et Mia, ma petite fille, prends soin de ton frère et de ta sœur, je vous aime tous.”

Cian's eyes glistened with tears as he listened to his father's words, each phrase a balm to his wounded heart. He felt Mia's arms wrap around him, her small body shaking with sobs.

"He loved us so much," Mia whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cian hugged her closer, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Yes, he did," he murmured, his voice choked with emotion. "And he still does."

As the recording came to an end, Mia lifted her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I love you, Cian," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Cian wiped away her tears with his thumb, offering her a watery smile. "I love you too, Mia," he said softly. "Let's get you to bed, okay?"

With a nod, Cian gently lifted Mia into his arms, her head resting against his shoulder as he carried her to her room. Isabelle and their mother followed close behind, their hearts heavy with both sorrow and hope.

Once Mia was tucked into bed, Cian sat beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Sleep well, little one," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

As he made his way back to the living room, Isabelle and their mother were waiting for him, a sense of determination in their eyes.

"We've booked your ticket back to Crocari," Isabelle said softly, her voice filled with resolve. "You leave in two days."

Cian nodded, a sense of purpose settling in his chest. "Thank you, Mom," he said, gratitude shining in his eyes.

–

The airport terminal was loud with the usual cacophony of sounds and sights, a whirlwind of travelers rushing to their family member or business meetings. Kasey stood amidst the crowd, his gaze fixed on the arrival gates, heart pounding with nervous anticipation.

Minutes stretched like hours until finally, he spotted her. Sarah emerged from the crowd, her figure small amidst the sea of people, but her presence lighting up the entire terminal. Kasey's breath caught in his throat as he watched her approach, the weight of separation lifting from his shoulders.

“Sa-” He couldn’t even get the words out before she threw herself into his arms, her suitcase clattering to the ground beside them. Kasey wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as if he never wanted to let go. In that moment, the chaos of the airport faded away, leaving only the two of them in their own world.

"I missed you so much," Sarah whispered, her voice barely above a breath, yet filled with emotion.

Kasey tightened his embrace, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I missed you too, more than words can say."

They stood there, lost in each other, until finally, reluctantly, they pulled apart. But even as they separated, their hands remained intertwined, fingers laced together as if they were afraid to let go.

Outside, Kasey hailed a cab, helping Sarah with her luggage before climbing in beside her. The ride home was filled with a comfortable silence, the tension of their separation slowly dissipating with each passing moment. They exchanged glances and smiles, the unspoken understanding between them palpable.

When they reached their apartment, Kasey unlocked the door and held it open for Sarah. They stepped inside, the familiar surroundings instantly comforting. Without a word, they made their way to the living room and collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion washing over them.

They sat there for a while, simply basking in each other's presence, not needing words to express the depth of their feelings. It was enough to be together again, to feel the warmth of each other's embrace after weeks of separation.

Finally, as the sun began to set outside, Kasey spoke up. "I'm so glad to be home" he said softly, his voice filled with love and gratitude.

Sarah turned to him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Me too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't ever want to be away again."

Kasey looked at her, the love of his life, the light of his days, and said, “We need to get married like really soon.” At this Sarah nodded, “I was so bored I started planning while you were gone, everything’s in order, you just have to pick a date.” 

Kasey pulled her closer, and held her tight. “You know I can’t ever leave this life right?” Sarah let the tears stream down her face silently as she nodded and said, “I know, and I don’t expect you to, just please be careful, and refrain from getting kidnapped.”

He laughed and kissed her forehead, grabbing a blanket from the back of the couch, and draping it over them. He closed his eyes, at peace for the first time in weeks, reunited with his everything.

–

Markus stepped through the door of their family home, a tired but contented smile on his face. It had been a long mission, filled with challenges and danger, but now he was finally home. He was greeted by the aroma of his favorite meal wafting from the kitchen, making his stomach grumble in anticipation.

"Sam?" Markus called out, toeing off his shoes and making his way to the kitchen.

Sam appeared in the doorway, a grin spreading across his face as he caught sight of his older brother. "Markus! You're back!" he exclaimed, rushing forward to pull Markus into a tight hug.

Markus returned the hug, feeling a sense of warmth and familiarity wash over him. "Yeah, I'm back," he replied, ruffling Sam's hair affectionately.

They sat down at the kitchen table, their plates piled high with food. Markus dug in eagerly, savoring the taste of home-cooked meals after weeks of rations and MREs.

"So, what have you been up to while I was gone?" Markus asked between bites.

Sam shrugged, his mouth full of food. "Not much, just the usual stuff. School, hanging out with friends," he replied, taking a sip of his drink.

Markus nodded, listening intently as Sam filled him in on the details of his life over the past few weeks. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he watched his little brother, amazed at how much he had grown since Markus had left.

After they finished eating, Markus and Sam moved to the living room, sinking into the comfortable couches. They spent the next hour catching up, talking about everything from school to their favorite TV shows.

Eventually, their conversation turned to their parents. Markus reached for his phone, dialing their number and putting it on speaker so they could both talk.

"Hey, Mom, Dad, it's me," Markus said when they picked up.

"Markus! It's so good to hear from you, dear," his mother's voice replied, filled with warmth and affection.

"How was your mission? Are you okay?" his father added, his tone filled with concern.

Markus assured them that he was fine, recounting some of the highlights of his mission and the challenges he had faced. He listened as his parents updated him on their lives, their voices washing over him like a comforting blanket.

As they talked, Markus couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his family. No matter where life took him, he knew that they would always be there for him, supporting him every step of the way. And as he hung up the phone, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face whatever challenges the future held, knowing that he had his family by his side.

–

Montana's heart raced with anticipation as he approached Hawthorne's Sanctuary and Shelter. It had been far too long since he had seen his beloved Dakota, and the thought of being reunited with her filled him with excitement. The familiar scent of the shelter hit him as he entered, his eyes scanning the rows of kennels until they landed on Dakota's.

"Dakota!" Montana called out, his voice filled with anticipation.

Dakota's ears perked up at the sound of her name, and she bounded over to the front of the kennel, her tail wagging furiously.

Montana's heart swelled with love as he knelt down to greet her, tears of joy welling up in his eyes. "Hey, girl, I missed you so much," he murmured, reaching through the bars to scratch behind her ears.

Dakota licked his hand eagerly, her eyes shining with happiness as she nuzzled against him.

With a sense of relief and happiness, Montana signed the paperwork and gathered Dakota's belongings from the shelter. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders as he walked out of the shelter with Dakota by his side.

Next stop was the pet store, where Montana spared no expense in spoiling his beloved pup. He picked out a new collar, a cozy bed, and an assortment of toys, watching with delight as Dakota sniffed and explored each item.

As they left the store, Dakota's tail wagged even faster, her excitement evident as she trotted beside Montana.

"Ready to go home, girl?" Montana asked, smiling down at her.

Dakota barked in response, her tail wagging furiously as they made their way back to Montana's apartment.

Once home, Montana let Dakota explore her new surroundings, watching with joy as she sniffed every nook and cranny.

"Welcome home, Dakota," he said, his voice filled with love.

Dakota barked happily, her tail wagging as she bounded over to him, her eyes shining with happiness.

Montana smiled, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him as he watched his beloved pup settle into her new home. With Dakota by his side, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

K.M Strunk