Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

55  Bad News

Leiah's mother had a gentle and kind presence that radiated warmth and compassion. She possessed a serene beauty that was accentuated by her soft features and warm brown eyes. Her hair, streaked with strands of silver, fell gracefully around her shoulders, a testament to the passage of time and the wisdom she had gained.

She dressed in simple yet elegant clothing, favoring earthy tones that complemented her nurturing nature. A long, flowing skirt and a loose-fitting blouse adorned her slender frame, allowing freedom of movement as she went about her daily tasks. Over her attire, she often wore a shawl or wrap, adding an extra layer of comfort and protection against the elements.

"Can we help you? Are you a refugee of the war?" Leiah's mother asked.

Leiah began to tremble a little, but soon she revealed her face and showed an expression with a few tears. Her mother dropped her papers due to the surprise and then covered her mouth before dashing and hugging her daughter.

"Leiah! You are back!" Leiah's mother said. "I am so glad!"

In that heartfelt moment, the air seemed to hold a mixture of joy, relief, and the bittersweet recognition of the passage of time. They held each other, their tears mingling, and whispered words of love and gratitude for their reunion.

The commotion and emotion in the house caught the attention of Leiah's father, who hurriedly made his way from his office. His footsteps quickened, and when he left the room, his eyes widened with surprise and delight. Seeing his wife and daughter locked in a heartfelt embrace, he couldn't help but smile, his own eyes moist with unshed tears.

Without a word, he joined the embrace, completing the circle of their reunion. The room filled with a mixture of laughter and happy tears as the family held each other, cherishing the precious moment of being together again.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still, and the worries and challenges of the outside world faded into insignificance. The love and connection between them were palpable, strengthening their resolve to weather any storm that lay ahead.

As they held each other, their embrace spoke of the unbreakable bond that family shares, a bond that transcends distance and time. They knew that, in the embrace of their loved ones, they had found a sanctuary, a place where they could find solace and support no matter what challenges they faced.

"We need to head to another place, I am expecting some people, and we can't let them know that you returned," Leiah's father said. "Go to the guest room for the time being; I will wrap things up quickly here."

Leiah's father, a tall and sturdy man, stepped into the place with a confident stride. His presence commanded attention, and his warm smile immediately put those around him at ease. His face, weathered by years of hard work and experience, bore the marks Dressed in practical attire befitting a man of business, he wore a well-worn but neatly pressed shirt and trousers. His hands, strong and calloused from years of labor, spoke of his dedication and commitment to his work.

It seemed that his other grandfather was pretty smart, too, or maybe quick to recover from his emotions. Either way, both of the grandparents smiled warmly while looking at their grandchildren; it was the first time that they had seen them, after all. Leiah never mentioned having brothers or sisters, so perhaps they were the first.

Once they were in the guest room, Leiah told his mother what happened. It seemed that Luana and Meiro had heard a few things thanks to their profession. They knew a lot of merchants, so gathering intel for them was easy, even though the war was weeks away.

"We have some friends that are delivering supplies in the war, and they pass some messages to us, and we pass to others; we have been watching things from afar… and we know that you and your family had escaped," Luana said while looking at Rain, Dana who was sleeping using her brother's shoulders as a pillow and Kei who was on her mother's arms sleeping as well. "The trip was tough on you all, but it seems that little Rain here is a tough nut to crack."

Little Rain… that made him feel like rolling his eyes so many times, but he decided to avoid that since he could worry about his pride later.

"We told our friends to help your husband if they could, but it is hard… he is always fighting in the frontlines. Our friends can barely approach them," Luana said. "I can tell that he is avoiding contact because he wants to take responsibility for the incident and doesn't want to have the chance to escape if he fails. He is planning to solve the problem or go down with it in order to spare you all of future repercussions."

As Rain thought About his father's approach to the war, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. While he understood his father's determination and his desire to protect their family and reclaim their homeland, he couldn't help but question the recklessness of his methods.

In Rain's mind, there was a nagging concern that his father's approach lacked consideration for the potential consequences and the impact it could have on their family. The idea of going all out, risking everything, and potentially sacrificing himself to solve the problem seemed overly egoistic.

While Rain admired his father's bravery and unwavering determination, he couldn't help but question whether there might be alternative paths to achieve their goals. He pondered the idea of finding a solution that would not only secure their family's safety but also create a more sustainable and lasting peace.

In his heart, Rain knew that protecting his family meant more than just winning a war. It meant considering their emotional well-being, their future, and the legacy they would leave behind. He believed in finding a solution that would ensure their safety without compromising their integrity or sacrificing unnecessary lives.