ZADE. Confusion ripples through me as I look at the older man before me. Why is he here? Do I turn and walk away? There are kids present and Valerie was shouting, but she seems fine. But I still turn to her just as she walks over to me. “Zade…” “Why were you shouting?” I ask quietly as she plac

ZADE. It’s late at night, and Sebastian and Zaia’s older three kids have now gone up to bed and I’m relieved. For some reason, the Menace refused to stop looking at me all evening. The oldest, Zion, is pretty mature for his age, and he’s grown a lot from the last time I saw him. Sia, she’s decent

If I had any doubt before that something was bothering him, it’s gone. I can almost see the pain in his face, the music, and the way he’s pouring his soul into it. I wait, as his fingers fly over the piano keys, his heart thundering louder with every touch. Somehow the music feels nostalgic, remind

‘We won’t succeed, will we?’ I ask Zade, my eyes fixed on Zion. ‘We won’t know until we try. There’s always hope,’ he replies. Our eyes meet, and I nod. He’s right, I can’t give up before even trying. I look around the room, knowing that everyone must be feeling similar to how I am right now. The

Cassian chuckles and raises his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it. I do apologise. I know things are hard Valerie… but know that I’m not against you or your people.” He reaches out placing a hand on my shoulder giving it a squeeze, my eyes flash and I grip his wrist, insta