Alex''s physique was nothing short of impressive, the sort that even a professional fitness trainer


    might envy. His only w was the patchwork of scars,rge and small, that crisscrossed his back.


    Though they were old, they remained stark against his skin.


    Around his neck, he wore a simple red cord, from which dangled a small wooden charm, polished to


    a shine through years of wear. Such charms were typically worn for protection by children under the


    age of ten, yet Alex clung to his as if it held some deeper significance. The red of the cord had


    faded, but it was clean and well-kept.


    After a long shower, Alex emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a ck silk robe that hinted at the


    sculpted abs beneath.


    He let his damp hair air dry as he settled down at his desk, ready to draw.


    His childhood injuries had left him with fragmented memories, and sometimes a sudden sh of


    recollection wouldpel him to capture the fleeting images on paper.


    Soon, the page was filled with a haunting scene: a frail boy sat huddled in a corner, his gaze vacant,


    his skin marred by numerous scars. Before him stood a little girl, bending down as if speaking to


    him, offeringfort to ease his pain. She was his sole beacon of hope in the darkness.


    Staring at the drawing, Alex''s eyes were a well of unspoken torment, which only began to dissipate


    as he took the wooden charm from around his neck and rubbed it between his fingers.


    The next day, Kendrick arrived at the Yeager householdden with gifts. Anthea had agreed to his


    request to be his god-granddaughter, but the consent of her parents was still essential – a


    matter of basic respect.


    Upon arrival, Kendrick discovered that Anthea came from a single-parent family, raised by a


    devoted mother and an uncle. "Please make yourselffortable, Kendrick," said Carole,


    weing him warmly.


    Nanson busied himself preparing a pot of tea for their guest. Kendrick replied with a smile, "Thank


    you, Annie''s Mom, your home exudes warmth andfort."


    And he meant every word. The Yeager residence was a cozy three-bedroom home, a stark contrast


    to the cold, sprawling estate where Kendrick lived, whichcked the warmth of a true family home.


    "Here''s your tea," Nanson offered, cing a steaming cup before Kendrick.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    "Thank you," Kendrick said, taking a sip before asking about Anthea. Carole informed him she had


    gone for a run and would be back soon.


    After exining the purpose of his visit, Kendrick was relieved to find that Carole and Nanson were


    not at all surprised, as Anthea had already shared the news with them.


    Carole responded with a smile, "Kendrick, Annie never had the chance to know her grandfather.


    Now that you be her grandfather, we see it as a blessing for her. I couldn''t be happier."


    Kendrick felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He had been concerned that Carole might object, but her


    open-heartedness exceeded his expectations.


    For lunch, Carole prepared a spread of homestyle dishes, and Kendrick found himself enjoying a


    meal that felt like home. It had been ages since he had partaken in such aforting feast, and he


    found himself wishing he didn''t have to return to the Capital City for the Christmas'' festivities, for he


    would have dly stayed for dinner at the Yeager''s.