Three days passed. No word from Francis.
Sarah tried not to worry. Marcus said communications were difficult. That the mission might take longer than expected.
But every hour that passed felt like a knife twisting in her gut.
Emma asked about him constantly.
"When is Daddy coming home?"
"Soon, baby."
"You said that yesterday."
"I know. But these things take time."
Emma was not convinced. She had stopped eating properly. Stopped playing with Sophie. Just sat in their room, hugging her rabbit.
Sarah did not know how to help her. She was barely holding herself together.
On the fourth day, alarms blared again.
Sarah's heart stopped. Another attack?
She grabbed Emma and ran to the command center. Marcus was there, but he was smiling.
"It is okay. It is Francis. He is back."
Relief
