Chapter 12. New World

I sit back in the rocking chair, watching Kian and Dad play. Kian loves playing with both of his grandpas, and I'm grateful he has them. He’s been here for hours, and we’ve been enjoying our time together. I’ve missed him but didn’t want to put too much on him. I knew he would be grieving heavily, and I didn’t want him to feel like it was wrong.

My phone chirps, and I pick it up to see a text message from Lynn. It’s a detailed message that leaves me with more questions than answers. “What’s wrong, love? Your entire face just dropped.” I sigh and fill him in on everything that he’s missed. Dad is silent with a thoughtful look on his face.

“I….damn, I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” He shakes his head and gives me a small smile.

“While grieving for Adela, I’ve been doing the same for Aida. Something tells me she’s lost to us, and I’d rather come to terms with it now than later.” I nod, having felt the same way, too. “So what’s the plan?”

“I don’t