Saying goodbye turned out to be far more challenging than Evelyn expected.
Her great-grandmother would not let go of her hand. Emma held on as if every muscle, nerve, and bone in her hand recalled every person she had lost.
While her Great-grandfather Nicholas stood behind Emma, silent but stiff, his eyes glistening with an emotion Evelyn pretended not to see.
"You can stay a little longer," Emma pleaded. "Just a few more minutes."
"I'd love to, but it's already late..." Evelyn smiled apologetically, squeezing her hand. "I promise, I will come back soon. Very soon."
Nicholas cleared his throat. "Call Axel, you can sleep here tonight. Bring Oliver. The boy should get used to our house."
Evelyn blinked. "You want Axel to come here? Tonight?"
Nicholas nodded firmly, as if summoning the man with sheer military will. "Yes. We have many rooms. The three of you can stay."
