To her surprise, Hopey exclaimed cheerfully, "Wow, Uncle Samuel, you came to see Mommy and me!"

Standing before them, Samuel cut a distinguished figure in his tailored suit, though the crutch he leaned on added a hint of vulnerability to his otherwise composed demeanor. He smiled softly, meeting Eliana's eyes. "You're back. I just got here."

Eliana let go of her daughter’s hand and quickly punched in the door code.

She ushered Hopey inside but blocked ...