Over two decades had passed, but Lariette still remembered the boy, whose face was a blur in her mind. She also had told Ruediger about the child before[01].
The one who suddenly appeared one day, brought by his 'parents', who seemed to despise his existence.
The one who was always quiet, but taught her to climb trees.
The one who dragged her away when she was almost in danger before fates forcibly separated them.
'Why does he bring the boy up?'
The steady beating of Lariette's heart suddenly quickened. When she looked at Ruediger, it was with a gaze full of expectation. She had momentarily forgotten about his earlier remarks.
The man's heart was also pounding rapidly. He unknowingly held his breath as he waited for her to speak.
What was she currently thinking?
She looked happy instead of angry or sad. Did she understand what he meant? But he should still make himself clear, right?
"Lettie, I—"
