A pale dawn light filtered through the airplane's small oval window as Alexander Thorne fastened Leo's seatbelt. The private jet hummed steadily, climbing through cottony clouds toward Switzerland. Leo peered out, pressing his forehead to the glass.
“Daddy, where's Mama?"
Alexander swallowed, voice gentle. “She's waiting for us at a special place, my brave boy."
Leo nodded solemnly. “Will she be happy to see me?"
Alexander ruffled his son's hair. “I promise she will. She's missed you every day."
Across the cabin, Mrs. Ortega slept in her seat, exhausted from caring for Leo. The regular steward and Dr. Chen sat forward, reviewing flight schedules and hospital papers. Alexander closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of every missed heartbeat with Olivia.
---
The jet touched
