As Lara stepped out of the room, she saw only Sandoz sitting quietly in the living room and deep in thought. The early morning chill had vanished, replaced by the gentle warmth of sunlight streaming through the window, casting golden patches on the floor like quiet blessings.
The house was alive with sound: clinking utensils, animated chatter, the unfiltered joy of children whose laughter spilled from the dining area like sunshine through an open door. Their excitement lit the morning with a vibrant energy—news must have spread that they would be sent back to their families.
But Sandoz remained. Still. Silent.
"What are you doing here, Sandoz? Why did you not join the children and have your breakfast?" Lara asked.
"I am waiting for you, Sis," the little boy replied, his voice trembling with a hint of sadness, like a soft breeze rustling through the leaves. His big, innocent eyes glimmered with a mix of hope and longing, making his small frame appear even more fragile.
