*David* I had done my best to avoid the others during the morning, slipping through the estate like a shadow until it was time to see Sarah off. The storm of emotions I was feeling was overwhelming and I was struggling to get a grip on myself. Today was the day of Sarah and Daniel's departure, which also meant everyone was returning to their own homes. So, I knew that once they were gone, my life would go back to what it was before I met Grace. And that idea sucked in my head, no matter how many times I tried to convince myself it was the best outcome. "Goodbye, sweetheart," I murmured as I embraced my daughter, feeling her warmth seep into me, offering a momentary reprieve from the cold grip coiling around my heart. "Take care of yourself, and remember, I'm always here for you." "Tha

