“He has left.” Apollo excitedly spoke as he came ripping into there small cottage house. Hasik looked up from the paper he was reading to smile at him. Dropping it on the table he rose. Reaching his arms to the air he stretched his back causing a few small pop sounds.
“Let’s get planning then.” Hasik smirked as his eyes fell on the globe that held his King. He knew, soon, they would be ruling the world together. They will kill the humans for all they have done and they will destroy the human girl claiming there gem back. No one would be in there way.“You didn’t go with them?” Rosco spoke as Ryan walked in with Avalon and Derek. He stayed beside Rosalie till someone came to relieve him. He was tired but not enough to sleep. Ryan got breakfast for his family before he brought them to the hospital. It wasn’t a good day for Avalon. She was nervous and scared for both Asrar and Rosalie. This will be the first time they have been separated by such a distance. She hoped it would be quick trip but by the way they where talking he will be gone for a while. Ryan tried to comfort her, telling her how strong he had gotten and with Chris they would be safe but she wasn’t having any of it. She did listen but it still didn’t comfort her.Derek happily hopped over to Rosco and lifted his arms. He wanted to be close to his Aunty and the only way was if he was snuggled to her side. He also felt that with his uncle gone he had to protect his aunt till he returned. Rosco just smiled as he lifted him up to the bed and helped him snuggle beside her. He knew this little boy would help him pull her through this.“Asrar refused to let anyone go.” Avalon spoke as gently as she could. Ryan helped her walk to the other chair that was set up by her bed. She reached out and gripped Rosalie once she was settled.“His fear is someone might attack Rosalie.” Ryan continued for his girl whom seemed to relax once she was holding Rosalie's hand. “He wanted to make sure she had ample protection due to not being able to protect her himself.”“I know Chris will keep him safe and vice versa. I have heard so much about her sister that I know once they find her she to will protect them.” Rosco sighed gently as he went back to being relaxed in the chair. “Brandon has been doing rounds and says he isn’t to happy with the feeling of everything outside these walls. He feels something bad is going to happen.”“We will be ready.” Ryan spoke strong. “I am going to work rounds in.”“I feel we should move her to more private spot.” A male spoke walking in with Peggy. He was dressed in regular clothing. He was very fit, almost looked like a body builder. He was completely bald. “So guys, this is my brother.” Peggy spoke gently. “He is a doctor here at the hospital.”“What do you have in mind?” Ryan asked gently though he shook looking at this man. He was so built.“I have a small office space with all the machines needed to help her through everything. It was set up for my wife so we could be there for her. Now with her gone it just sits empty.” He spoke smoothly. “I propose we move here there. I have all the certification needed to do what everyone her can. My sister and brother in law will help us as well as my daughter. She is fresh out of university but I know she will do just fine.”“We think this way we will have the ability to keep her safe as well as the rest of the people in the hospital.” Peggy spoke gently with a smile. “This will also keep you Ryan, Brandon, Ben and my husband safe if you have to shift.”“Is it safe to move her?” Rosco asked now a little concerned. She will have to be without some of the equipment that has been holding her strong. “I promise she wont be put into any danger. Most of this can be done with hand and I know I will have enough of them to help. I will book and ambulance that will take us and we will have staff her and there ready for quick easy set up. It would have been better to have her mate her but that will be okay.” Peggy’s brother spoke with a smile. “I promise she will not have any issues while in my care.”“Avalon.” Ryan spoke looking at his wife. If she didn’t feel safe about this they will not do it. Asrar was gone and she being considered his sister she will have final say.“I think it’s okay to do, but the decision will be up to you.” Rosco spoke when she looked over at him.“Anny Ose ok.” Derek smiled happily from where he lay beside her. This causing Avalon to sigh.“The place is secluded I take it.” Avalon spoke trying to hold her fear and excitement. She knew this was going to be dangerous but it she knew they needed to keep people safe.“Yes but safe. Anything she could need or any of us will need is only a short distance away.” He spoke softly causing Avalon to nod.“Promise me she will not be hurt.” Avalon spoke scared.“We will all be there to help her Avalon. Nothing will happen to her.” Peggy told her as she walked over and wrapped her arms around her. “If it helps this isn’t Dominic’s first time doing this.”“I will have the best of the best ready on both ends. She will be safe.” Dominic spoke to here gently. He knew how hard this was on all of them. He was a stranger saying to move a very respected women from a highly guarded facility to the middle of no where. He gently nodded his head to the group before walking away.“He will protect her like his life depends on it.” Peggy told them all as she still rubbed Avalon’s back. “We will move her in a few days.”“Thank you Peggy.” Avalon spoke up though everyone was nervous. She smiled happily before leaving them. Avalon looked at Ryan whom heavily sighed.“Anny say oust em.” Derek spoke up with a smile. “Anny o illy.”“We have time to tell Asrar. He will know what to do.” Rosco said. Ryan nodded as he held Avalon. They where still scared of the idea even though it was a good idea. They knew Brandon and Ben would be safer.“I’m just so worried. They only left this morning and now this.” Avalon sighed. “I trust Peggy but her brother.”“I know sweetheart, we will talk to Asrar and see what he has to say about it.” Ryan spoke gently leaning in to kiss her cheek. She loved her head so he got her lips to which he didn’t complain. Derek giggled with Rosco. “How is she?” A new voice spoke gently. They all turned to see Mama Chika and Mary standing in the door way. Ryan stepped to them and welcomed them in.“Resting well.” Rosco smiled. Mama Chika nodded happily as her and Rosco switched spots. Rosco pushed Mary closer though she didn’t want to.“They want to move her.” Ryan spoke up gently. He knew if anyone would know Dominic it would be Mama Chika.“Who is they love.” She spoke gently looking over to Ryan. She felt attached to her and Avalon , almost like they where her grandchildren. She didn’t care Ryan was more then quadruple her age. “Peggy's Brother Dominic.” Rosco spoke up gently.“If he says move her I’d trust him.” Mary spoke up quickly. Everyone turned to her a little shocked. She normally stayed quiet. She felt everything was her sons fault and in turned felt it her fault Rosalie was in bed like this. Asrar had explained to her it wasn’t anyone’s fault but she still took it upon herself. Her husband even tried talking her out of the guilt but to no avail. “he treated my mom when all doctors turned there backs on her. He gave me the ins and out of the surgery. Everything that could go wrong. He never gave up on her. In the end everything was Alright and he even made sure to keep close eye on her. Slept on the couch in her room a few times when she was having bad days. You can trust he will keep really good care of Rosalie.”“That boy has done so much schooling it was even funny. I would know, I helped him through it. He is more qualified then any of these doctors here and he takes his job serious.” Mama Chika smiled at them grabbing Mary’s hand to comfort her. Her mom died last year to a lung infection. None of it was Dominic fault. He was pretty occupied with his wife’s care. They saw another doctor. He did what he could to help them but in the end nothing helped. “He does what he can for each and ever patient. When his wife was sick, the care that women got, you would think she was a royal queen’s Daughter. In the end there was nothing that could be done for her, but she went peacefully all thanks to him. Said to have a space where her whole family could be around her every waking moment.”“Thank you, that puts all of us at ease.” Avalon smiled happily knowing they had made a good decision.“Now where is my other Grandson.” Mama Chika asked as she looked around thinking he was sleeping on a bed close by. “I have some kitchen ideas to discuss with him.”“He left early this morning.” Ryan spoke up.“What do you mean he left this morning. He needs to be here with her.” Mama Chika spoke up worried. “Is Ben with him? Obviously Chris is with him or he would be here beside Rosco.”“No just Chris and him went.” Avalon spoke up.“Unl Ong. He ome ack. He ring oy.” Derek spoke up still not moving from his spot. “Anny ne oy u ake.”“Says he had to mark her then go and get the other part of the gem.” Ryan spoke up. Avalon nodded as her attention fell back on Rosalie. Something felt off and she could feel it.“These may clarify everything.” Rosco spoke as he passed over the envelope. Mama Chika let her hand go and opened up the envelope. She read all three letters out loud so everyone could hear it. Avalon quickly rose as she placed her hand on Rosalie's forehead. She was burning up.“Mommy Anny ot.” Derek spoke causing everyone to panic. Ryan raced for Peggy whom was followed by Dominic. “Everyone but Derek has to leave.” He quickly spoke prepping a needle as Peggy ran for a few items he asked for.“My son….”“Is the closest thing we got to helping her through this.” Dominic spoke. “Its not my first turning I have witnessed Avalon. For any women, whether there own or someone’s close to them, the child is the strongest to bring her through. She saved you both the day he was born so she has an attachment. Without Asrar he is our next best thing right now.”“Come child, let him do his job.” Mama Chika spoke as her and Ryan led Avalon out of the room. They waited in the seating area. They prayed all would go well.“This is moving way to quick.” Peggy spoke worried. Ryan passed her a device and said it had Asrar's singing recorded on it. “She was only marked last night.”“Means there bond is super strong. But it could also be the gem at work.” Dominic spoke grabbing the cold cloth from her. He moved to Derek who was laying beside her still. “You need to press this to the back of her neck. It cant move till it gets warm.”“I do, I do.” He spoke reaching for it. He promised his uncle he would look after Aunty. He was little but he was mighty.“Good. Now we have to be very vigilant. It’s the blood stream first then the cells, it then moves to the mind and then the heart. Depending on how quick it hits the mind will determine how quick the change will be. To quick and we pray Asrar gets here in time.” Dominic said as they worked together to help her through. They did have to play the recordings when things got really bad. It soon all came down and everyone was allowed back in.“Asrar we are lost.” Chris screamed over the wind. They where suppose to hit a town by now but there was nothing but forest and fields. Not even a road in sight. Asrar roared in annoyance. He knew not putting it on the phone GPS was a bad idea. Chris was worried he would drop it trying to hold on. He hovered in one spot as he closed his eyes. Chris was quiet as he looked around hoping for something to trigger his mind from the map.Asrar pointed to the ground causing Chris to help as he held on. They where getting no where. They had just left and Asrar was ready to kill him. He pointed them in the wrong direction to start with and Asrar was pretty sure they where suppose to veer left not slight right from the last city. Now they where in the middle of no where. He was going to land so he could pull out his phone. They didn’t have time for this. Plus with the weather forecast for tomorrow he would need a good nights sleep. Supposedly there was a huge winter storm going to blow over at any point.Getting close to the ground he pulled Chris off his back and plunked him on the ground. Making a ring of fire he shifted mid air dropping into the circle. The flames gave them heat as he stormed over to Chris. Removing his phone from his bag he silenced Chris with a finger. Chris was going to protest the stop and that he should put some clothing on before someone saw them. That’s all he needed to take Asrar home with a freaking flu. Rosalie would really ring his neck.“I knew it.” Asrar growled causing poor Chris to yelp. He was ready to dive over the flames if Asrar hadnt grabbed his coat. “I fucking told you it was a hard left at that last city. You freaking idiot. The slight right was the next one.”“Alright so my directions apparently aren’t the greatest.” Chris confessed with his hands in the air.“Your and idiot. I don’t have time for this. I just pray her transition takes as long as Avalon’s did or we are in trouble.” Asrar growled before he let Chris go. He shifted quickly putting out the fire and forcing Chris on his back. He pointed the way his phone told him to go and he took off back to the sky. He was not going to make the mistake again. He memorized the route and knew if he stayed dead strait pointing to the setting sun he was going to find the ocean. He didn’t have time for any of this. He had to get back. If anything went wrong with Rosalie only he could help. “I’m sorry.” Chris yelled once they where high enough. He sat quietly as Asrar flapped quickly. He knew time was lost and it was all because he forgot the way. He was missing Rosalie and Rosco. He knew he shouldn’t be but he was. He hated being away from them. They where his rock in this world but he had to suck it up. His princess needed her Knight to bring home her prince even though he knew on this whole trip it wasn’t going to be him bring Asrar home. No it was going to be Asrar bringing him home, he just prayed it wasn’t in a body bag.Though his body was focused on flying strait his mind was with his girl. He had felt the first part of her transition and was getting worried. It took Avalon a lot longer then this but he knew it had to be due to everything Rosalie had gone through prior to this. She trusted Asrar blindly and put all her love into him. He returned that to her and she knew he would never break it. They molded to the bond together but still fell in love normally. Avalon didn’t have the same time with Ryan. He knew they where all there for her and she was safe. He could feel she was safe though this transition was hard on her he still held her close.As soon as he saw the water he knew he had made up time. The sun hadnt quite set yet so they would be able to set up camp and get a good meal in them. He was a little nervous about the flight tomorrow. His wings where actually tired due to inactivity. He was strong body wise but never had he flown for so long in quite a while. He landed carefully on the sand still loving how the ground came up to meet him. He will never get use to it. His love the reason for this and he just loved her so much more every time.Chris rolled off Asrar and just laid on the sand. He was so happy to see it. He had never been in the air all day before. They did stop for a little while at lunch time but still. It was crazy. When he did finally lean up, Asrar was dressed and looking for shelter for the night. Chris sighed as he got up and began looking for fire wood. They would need it to make supper not that he is sure what it would be. He placed the bags down close by and began to shift through the du
“Your okay right Chris?” He asked worried he had gotten hurt. When no reply came he began to look frantically around the mess before heading to the balcony. Chris popped through the door before Asrar could get out.“Easy buddy, all is good.” Chris said with a hand on Asrar’s shoulder. “Come on I got us another room for the night.”“What?” Asrar spoke.“Well we will just use the room next door. That way we don’t have to explain what happened as we will be gone in the morning. You gave them your card, they will just use it to fix the room.” Chris told him as he looked around and shivered. “That way there mind can figure out what happened and we don’t have to explain.”“What if we need this place to get home.” Asrar asked.“Well we just hope my cousin has an idea how to use the gem to make them forget.” Chris spoke up grabbing his bags that wh
Asrar collapsed to the forest floor causing panic to rise in Chris as he jumped off. He raced to Asrar’s head and sat beside him. He was breathing heavy as he lay there not moving. Chris could see him breath so it relieved him. He put his bags by Asrar who appeared to be sleeping as he walked further into the forest. A town appeared before to long causing Chris to sigh happily. He knew he didn’t have long. He had to find his cousin before Asrar woke up and he wasn’t there.The town was small which caused him some confusion. His cousin was a shopper, even there small town was to small for her. She did so much of her shopping online so she could get what she needed. Here it was worse. The small town consisted of a grocery store, pub and maybe a clothing story. It had a very country feel to it. 40 homes, at most, all in the same shape and size. 20 of them had fields filled with cattle, sheep and few horses. Some of the fields also consisted of large gardens
“Any word from Chris?” Ryan asked gently as he entered the building. Rosco sighed and shook his head. They had been trying to get a hold of them for a while now but nothing. As night falls they had hopped to get a sense as to where they where. Chris told Rosco he would keep them updated but that has not been happening.“I’m worried Ryan, what happens if something has happened to them.” Rosco spoke gently. Ryan quickly but the food he had brought down and held Rosco.“Nothing will happen to them. Asrar has marked Rosalie, if the mark is there and she is breathing he is not dead.” Ryan spoke gently trying to sooth him. “The whole mate process hasn’t been complete but that doesn’t mean anything. As soon as a mark is adorned on the skin of one mate nothing happens to the other they don’t know of.”“I just want them home.” Rosco cried a little louder.“Easy Rosco, we don’t
‘Asrar,’ A voice as gentle as a summer’s breeze flowed into Asrar's mind. He stirred from his slumber a bit as the voice came once more. It reminded him of his Angel, the beauty waiting for him to return. He knew she was waiting for him so why was she here calling him.‘Five more minutes.’ He grumbled rolling over on the lush green grass. The blades tickled his nose causing him to sneeze.‘Oh you silly boy.’ The voice spoke now closer as hands gently touched his shoulder and guided him. His head fell into a lap as someone gently ran there fingers through his hair. ‘You must wake soon.’‘I need a little more time.’ Asrar sighed out gently. She laughed gently before all became quiet. Asrar was confused, his angel couldn’t be here but everything felt so familiar. He had to look, he had to see her. Opening his steel grey eyes they found a familiar purple one staring back at him. Those where not his An
“What the hell happened.” Apollo screamed. “I had Ben all you had to do was take out Ryan and Brandon.”“I had them till that golden dragon showed up. The power off it was crazy.” Charles spoke.“What I don’t understand is where in hell did they come from. I though Asrar was strong but this over powered him.” Hasik spoke as they finally entered there cottage. They each tended to there wounds before they sat down again to figure things out. There plan was seal proof but that gold dragon just destroyed it all.“Well we have no choice, we need to come up with another plan now.” Apollo spoke.“Yes but this one we need more dragon power.” Charles growled as he stood up. “I say we post war.”“I have no control over that power. The man in the globe does.” Hasik spoke annoyed.“Then we get her. Asrar has returned so we have to sneak in.” Charles spo
“How is he?” Desiree spoke when Drezic folded her into his embrace.“Broken Desiree. He is so broken and there is nothing I can do for him.” Drezic cried into her neck. Desiree quickly stood up and held him tight. “He has completely shut down.”“None of this is his fault.” Ryan spoke up where he was sitting on the makeshift bed they slept on. Avalon cradles asleep in his arms. She cried herself to sleep which upset Ryan more. Rosco and Chris where holding each other on the floor in the corner. The two boys unfazed by what was going on, played in the corner under the watchful eye of Tasrin. Peggy, Dominic, Ashely and Peggy’s husband where not here. They took off for the hospital to get a grasp on what went wrong. They would be back later to make the report.“You try telling him that. He is heart broken, lost and so upset. I don’t know what to do for him.” Drezic spoke gently. “Wait.”
Chapter 13Asrar and Rosalie slept side by side with each other the whole day and most of the night. Ashley new they would be okay for a few minutes so she went to use the washroom after checking on Rosalie's tubes. Everyone was so on edge specially after Drezic told them she had opened her eyes. It’s a huge step. She smiled happy to know Rosalie was going to have her happy ending.Asrar woke up slowly. He was confused what happened but when he saw his Angel laying on him he broke down again. His failure playing in his mind as he kissed the top of her head. He had to fulfill his prophecy, he knew she would want him to. Carefully squeezing out from under her, he made sure she was comfortable. Her warmth, her beating heart, her yearning for him to stay with her all oblivious to him. She could hear him and knew he was leaving but her body would not respond. He wasn’t sure why, she was already at peace, but apart of him felt it wasn’t right. He kissed her lips once more before he stepped
Hello my dear readers, Thank you ever so much for giving me a chance and following Rosalie and Asrar's journey. Please let me know what you think, whether you leave a review or even private message me. I would love to hear from you. Well the journey doesn't end here. Yes there is a third book to come. Keep your eye out for Dragon's Home. Because the second and third aren't signed you may only be able to access them through my page. Please let me know if you have any difficulties finding them. Thank you ever so much again Aman Kearney
The blast of magic knocked them all out. Brandon was barely moving as he tried to breath the pain away. Drezic was trying to move to Rosalie who managed to lift her head ever so slightly off the moist soil. It was proving difficult with her wounds but she tried to rise. She had to finish them. Asrar wasn’t here, so as his mate, the queen of all dragons and humans, she had to protect them.“You are all pathetic.” Narleen laughed as Charles came up and wrapped around her. He was so impressed with the power of his mate he couldn’t believe he would even think of anyone else. Narleen smiled as she melted into his arms. She used up every ounce of magic she had in that last attack. Her being close to her mate was giving her some of it back but not a lot. “Just like that mate of yours.”“What have you done with Asrar?” Rosalie quickly snapped at her from where she had managed to get her knees under her. She was in a crouched posi
Rosalie woke up the next morning with a smile. She felt good, a first in a long time. Wiggling out of the sandwich her siblings had put her in she slowly walked to the door. Closing it carefully Peggy gently tapped her shoulder. She screamed in fright which had Drezic screaming in the room. Desiree sat up shocked but didn’t move very far. Peggy with her hands out was apologizing tremendously. Drezic exited the room and wrapped his arms around Rosalie who was trembling.“I'm so sorry.” Peggy cried gently where she stood a distance away.“Its okay Peggy, you just caught her off guard. We all seem to be able to do that quite well even though we don’t want to.” Drezic yawned. Rosalie gently pushed him signaling she was okay to be released. He smiled to her before he raced in to Desiree who was just getting off the bed.“I’m sorry I screamed at you Peggy. I didn’t think anyone would be here.” Rosalie confess
“What the hell happened?” Brandon demanded as he came roaring in. He got his family home and was sleeping peacefully when he got a phone call. Ben called saying Asrar was bed ridden at the hospital in there new location and he couldn’t figure out why. The doctors where even confused. He raced over to there hideout right away to find Ashley racing in.“The witch managed to find a way to take control of Rosalie.” Desiree spoke as she held Drezic whom was shaking with fright. She was limp in his arms, something he swore would never happen. He though they lost her. He thought he was to late to save her and he failed his brother.“Ahhhh, why a witch of all things now.” Brandon screamed as he angrily rubbed his face.“Ashley is in there checking her out to make sure she is okay.” Desiree said as calm as she could. They found a pulse and her breathing sounded normal.“She is fine, just exhausted.”
Rosco ordered chicken breast with baked potato for him and Rosalie. The guys all ordered stake, Mary and Desiree ordered Chicken alfredo and the children, including Isabella, Ordered chicken fingers. The all decided no drinking so they ordered ice teas. There conversation was light as they ate waiting for the cue.“Oh my good tell me it isn’t so.” Rosco spoke as he dropped his palms to the table. He listens closely a bit more and jumped to his feet. He raced out to the dancefloor and began to dance. Rosalie giggled before she caught Chris eyes. That was the signal. She smiled happily as a phone was passed to her. She loved the singer of this song but was nervous as it was the first time she would sing it. Everyone got into position even the waitresses where ready.Rosco finished, dancing happily to Lindsey Stirling's song Roundtable Rival, as Chris came and scooped him up for a song. Drezic and Brandon leading there ladies to the dance floor as well.
Chris held Rosco close as they leaned in there Mercedes waiting for there cousins and crew to meet them. Chris was so happy they decided it would be okay for Rosalie to get out, he wanted to ring her neck for the last endeavor she did on her own but knew he needed her help. He had a promise to keep and he couldn’t do it without her. Rosco loved the feel of outside on his skin. He had been bed ridden even after Rosalie had healed most of him. Chris wasn’t taking a chance and made him rest. He was so happy to be out today.“There they are.” Chris spoke letting him go as he rose so his weight was fully on his feet. Rosco grabbed his hand as they walked over to the group that was approaching them. The sun was out and the wind was quiet. Rosalie smiled as she took in the Ray’s of sun till her cousin wrapped his arms around her.“Hey Pumpkin.” Rosco happily said once Chris let her go. She wrapped her arms around him with a smile.
Rosalie woke up sore, she knew it was going to be the case. She had pushed herself so much these last few days. She actually anticipated she would be worse. The one thing she didn’t anticipate was the pain in her heart. The man of her life was gone. He wasn’t here to hold her. She sighed as she slowly rose so her feet dangled over the edge of the bed. She didn’t even dream of him anymore which seemed to help her get through the days.“Rosalie.” Desiree gently spoke as she opened the door to see her sister sitting there. She instantly raced over and stood beside her. Rosalie smiled at the beautiful blue t-shirt she wore and warn dark wash Jean’s. Her sister looked so good in them but she was shocked. She always new Desiree was more of a city girl with flowy things.“Desiree, how long?” Rosalie sighed as her eyes fell to the floor. She was so devastated everything that has happened. She knew it was all her fault the others
Asrar screamed in pain as his hand reached for his back. It felt like it was being ripped off. The doctors came running as well as Ben. He waited just outside the door however. Asrar was confused when he was here but as the pain worsen he screamed again. The doctor working hard to help relive it for him. Ben found a quiet place to make the call as his entire insides began to twist with worry.“Ben,” Brandon spoke as he pulled out his phone.“What’s happening with Rosalie?” He darn near screamed. Brandon was so confused as he stepped away from his family. They where all around eating lunch together.“What do you mean? She is sleeping beside Drezic and Desiree.” Brandon said as it was what he saw the last time he was there.“Azrar is screaming in pain. He is holding his back.” Ben exclaimed now panicked. Was someone maybe invisibly attacking Asrar?“I’ll fin
Rosalie opened her eyes to find herself back in a field. She shot up confused and scared. The field was full of tall grass and beautiful daylilies of many colors. She could see Tulips and Pansy's. There was the occasional Daisy and Rose. The fragrance on the breeze hit her nose with such beautiful notes she couldn’t help but relax. She slowly rose and looked around till her eyes fell on the moon.‘My sweet girl, you have gone through so much but still hold that heart of gold safe.’ A beautiful voice sang to her. Rosalie looked around confused but her eyes fell on the moon once more.‘Moon Goddess?’ She asked gently. A beam of light shown down to her illuminating a spot. A beautiful women materialized out of the light causing Rosalie to bow. ‘I am sorry Goddess. I do not know the proper way to great you.’‘You are forgiven child. Come, all I wish is a hug from my children.’ She spoke ever so gently trying not