Epilogue (2)

“Daddy!” a voice broke through his reverie.

Murat looked down to see Mahad, his youngest, standing there with sleep-filled eyes. “What happened, little man?” Murat asked, scooping the boy into his arms.

“I am sleepy,” Mahad yawned, nestling into his father’s chest.

“I am sleepy too!” Mir appeared, feigning a yawn but smiling mischievously. Murat shook his head, recognizing the ploy. Mir always found a way to escape bedtime meals.

“Alright, let’s head inside,” Murat said, extending his hand. Mir grabbed it instantly. Together, they walked toward the porch, where Ayleen already stood with Murtaza by her side. Murtaza reached for his mother’s hand, completing the picture-perfect family.

As they walked inside, Murat’s eyes met Ayleen’s. She smiled at him, the same smile that once shattered his defenses, that reminded him of everything good in his life. She was the reason he believed in love, in second chances.

It was a long journey, but it didn’t matt