My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Valerie approached, one last time, one of the most important women in her life in Valeria.

Emma Fiore-the woman who had taken her in almost like a daughter. While they had grown close during the three years Valerie was married to Maximus, their bond went far beyond that. They were family.

Emma had chosen to stay with the Evans family to care for the children. She said she was too old to start over somewhere that wasn't her beloved Valentia. Besides, she had her own children, and even though they were busy with work, they still visited her now and then. Moving to Hesperia would make that impossible.

"Emma, my dear Emma... You were a mother to me, and I'll never know how to repay you. It hurts that you're not coming with us, but I understand your decision.

"I want you to know that whenever you want, just say the word and I'll send for you. Even just for a week or two, so you can visit and get to know my country."

"My girl, I'm too old to be hopping from one place to another. This year-or a bit more than a year-that I've had the joy of knowing you're alive, and that you had a daughter... well, now that I see you with four babies, I feel blessed. I always wanted a daughter-and life gave me one in you."

"Now it's time to look after another little girl," Emma added, casting a loving glance at Laura and baby Adele.

"I know, Emma, I know! She reminds me so much of myself... Take care of her. Guide her down the right path," Valerie said, her voice full of nostalgia.

"I will, my sweet girl. Now give this old woman a hug and get on that plane-your twins are getting impatient."

sweet old lady! I love you! Don't

only a mother gives her child before they leave to

she loved, pushed a stroller with two beautiful babies, and walked beside her

her daughter disappear into the distance, Marcus,

They looked at each other, and with just a few words, said their goodbyes.

care, and good luck with everything. You know how

anything comes up," said Peter, the most

"Right..." Marcus replied.

"Right..." echoed Maximus.

no grand goodbyes, no tears. Peter simply hugged his friend, and then both he and Maximus

only the Palmer-Bartz family remained. Peter, Celeste, and their daughters gathered to say

hope to see you again-either here or

"Alden, thank you

everything. Thank