In Xattlewood, Julian was watching his daughter, Emma, at the park as she rode her bicycle, giggling and happy to meet her friends. He was sitting on a bench, a smile on his face.
He glanced at the other kids. They were with their parents, a complete family. He stared at Emma but she didn't seem to be bothered that her mother wasn't by her side. Usually, they would both take her to play at the park when she was a lot younger than she was now.
Emma turned to look at him with a big smile stretched on her lips. Then she waved. Julian returned it before she turned to face her friends once again.
Looking at her reminded him of his wife, and his smile faltered.
"Julian!" He nearly jumped out of his seat when he felt a hand slapping on his shoulder. But immediately relaxed when he recognized the voice that came after. "Why do you look so deep in thought? Are you thinking about Anastasia? What? Do you miss her?"
