Until we became what we were today, two people bound not by love but by mutual interests, standing in the ruins of what had once been.
"Get dressed and come with me. I brought Eleanor and Orion back today so you could spend some time together."
When I didn't move, he frowned, grabbed a coat, and forcibly draped it over me, zipping it up without giving me a chance to resist.
His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "And don't say anything reckless again. As for Orion's name, I'll explain another day."
When we arrived, Charles pushed Orion into my arms.
"Get to know him first."
Then, he bent down, his voice turning gentle, just as it always was with Eleanor.
"Orion, today you'll play with Aunt Natalie. Daddy and Mommy are going to buy you clothes and toys, okay?"
Orion nodded eagerly, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
I followed along numbly as he led me to the other side of the food street.
Like all children, he was drawn to the golden crisp of fried food.
I hesitated, unsure if he was allowed to eat it. Instinctively, I reached for my phone, dialing Charles.
No answer.