Three days later.

Cloudcrest City, Westbrook Old Town. A cozy guesthouse.

Out in the garden, where all kinds of lush green plants and bright flowers flourished, Lucky lay sprawled on the ground, tongue lolling. Sunlight warmed his face, and he squinted contentedly, utterly relaxed.

Little Nina, clutching a child's makeup kit in one hand and a tiny powder puff in the other, was busy giving Lucky a makeover with impressive seriousness for

someone her age.

A few feet away, little Mario sat quietly on a wooden bench, head bowed in concentration, twisting and turning his Rubik's Cube.

From the kitchen drifted the comforting aroma of home-cooked food.

James was busy preparing lunch.

Just then, Lorna pushed open the vintage wooden gate at the edge of the yard, glanced around the sun-dappled garden, and then closed the door behind her, sliding the latch into place.

The creak of the gate caught Mario's attention. He looked up.

Lorna walked over and ruffled his hair. "Still working on your Rubik's Cube?"

up at her. "I can solve all six sides now my fastest time is two

Rubik's Cube for him, and

your dad knew how good

"Ms. Riley, have you talked to

really well. Maybe he'll even make enough to

Do you think he could be back before winter?" Lorna pressed her lips together, hesitating. "That...I can't promise, sweetheart." Mario's gaze dropped to the

was just trying

knew the truth: his dad wasn't overseas on business. He'd become a star

the disappointment on Mario's face, Lorna sighed softly.

the puzzle. "What about my

for a

never had a mother

hadn't expected him to be quite this

realized something had happened to Briony,

further, Lorna said gently, "Your mom is away on a work trip. She

with

okay."

was nothing he could do. He'd already lost his dad; he didn't want

Mario's quiet sensitivity, Little

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