But even as he sat there, listening to Henry talk about everything he had missed, his mind kept wandering. He couldn’t help but think of Raya, wondering what her return home was like, if she was feeling the same strange emptiness he was.
That night, he had dinner with his parents, the table filled with his favorite dishes, the air warm with celebration. His mother fussed over him as usual, ensuring his plate was always full, while his father remained quiet, occasionally nodding in approval.
And then, as the meal ended, his father Markus spoke again.
“You’ve done well, Kaius.”
Kaius looked up.
“This camp isn’t just about endurance. It’s about leadership, about understanding yourself, your limits, your strengths. You’re proving to everyone, proving to yourself, that you are more than wo
