*Saoirse*

I stood in the bedroom with my children by my side as I watched Rhys stride away from me. Fingers trembling, I held onto Aiden and Adelaide as their father left us behind. The sun cast his departing figure in a golden glow like a hero of old stepping into legend. But no amount of romantic imagery could soften the sharp edges of my fear.

"Mama?" a small voice tugged at my dress, pulling me back from the haunting visions of war that clawed at my mind.

I ...