When we finished, Julian approached Alina with a patience that took my breath away. He knelt in front of her, took her little hands in his, and spoke softly.
"Princess, the driver will take you to school today. Mommy and Daddy have to go to an important meeting so Mommy can work in this country." He stroked her hair. "But in the afternoon, we'll both come to pick you up. Is that okay?"
Alina smiled with her whole face. She nodded enthusiastically, and then threw her arms around Julian's neck in a hug so genuine that my eyes welled up with tears. The love they shared touched me deeply.
We walked Alina to the car. The driver helped her in and fastened her seatbelt. We waved goodbye, and she pressed her nose against the window as the car drove away.
When the car disappeared around the
