LATER IN THE AFTERNOON “So, that’s all I’m faced with. You all should tell me what to do because I don’t know how much longer I can keep calm.” Adam said, massaging his temple with his left hand. He was seated on a couch across from Oliver and his wife, Jessica.  “I honestly had no idea She was related to you, Adam. I’m so sorry.” Jessica’s remorse voice came through.  “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for, Jess. I think I should be thanking you instead. You have no fucking idea how far I went in searching for her. It was as if She disappeared from the face of the earth. I couldn’t

“Daddy!!!!!” Calvin ran towards Adam and hugged his legs tightly.  Adam chuckled, he put the gift bags he was holding on the floor beside him and picked his little boy up in his arms.  Calvin hugged his father tightly as if his life depended on it. Adam smiled and hugged his son back. He could feel the little boy’s excitement. Never was Adam home this early and knowing that his father actually kept his promise made little Calvin so happy.  “I missed you, Daddy.” Calvin mumbled with his tiny arms still wrapped around Adam’s neck. 

THE NEXT MORNING  By 5:30 am, Adam Sleeves was up. He brought out a travel bag from his closet and filled it with clothes and all other essentials he would need for his trip. Once all packed, he proceeded to the bathroom for a shower.  By 6:15 am, Adam was all dressed up. Taking all of the things that he needed, he exited the room with his luggage.  Placing the deep brown box by his door, Adam proceeded to Anna’s room. His little girl was still sleeping soundly. He spent about a minute watching her sleep after which he placed a soft kiss on her tiny forehead.  

Adam arrived in Berlin, Germany at about 4 pm. From the airport, he went straight to the serviced apartment he would be staying in. After resting for a couple of minutes, he joined a very important zoom meeting which lasted for almost an hour. Then he took a long nap when the meeting was over.  Sleeves eventually opened his eyes, reached for his phone that was beside him, he saw that it was way past midnight. A little over 1:30 am.  Adam went through all pending notifications on his phone, then he decided to call Kara. She picked up almost immediately as though She had been expecting his call.  “Hi,” Adam said to the other side, not

Helen just finished tucking Calvin to bed. Stepping out of his room and gently shutting the door, She bumped into the last person she wanted to see. Tessie Sleeves.  Helen wanted to roll her eyes badly but she was able to stop herself.  “Where are your manners? Even if my husband told you not to receive any orders from me, does that mean that I don’t deserve to be greeted in my own house?” She spat, giving Helen an ugly glare.  “Good evening, Mrs Sleeves,” Helen greeted with a small bow, then proceeded to take her leave.