Jeannette returned home, stepping through her front door and into the arms of her spouse.

And then she broke down into sobs.

About fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang and it was Ren who answered. Eela Dasca was standing there, a mixed look on her her face. “I’m sorry to bother you all, but I thought I’d stop by to see how you were doing,” she said, concern etched into her features.

Ren stepped back and gestured for her to come in. “Of course, you’re most welcome here. Jean just returned a short while ago.” In fact, said wife was on the large couch with their teenage son, wrapped in a blanket.

Eela moved into the open space living area and sat down in an oversized velvet armchair, meeting Jeannette’s gaze. “I’m so sorry, Jeanette.”

The ambassador nodded. “So am I. For us , for you, for Oed. He was so…” She shook her head. “We knew we had an uphill battle to fight in order to find our place and be accepted here, but we were both so committed to the journey. And you were so very important to him, you should know that.”

“I do,” Dasca said. “And he was equally important to me.” She inhaled deeply and blew out that breath. “Do we know anything more?”

Jeanette shook her head. “Not really. I overheard my security detail talking to the police. The place was trashed, there was blood. Nothing more other than confirmation that he was gone. But I already knew that.”

~The Mathis Family & Eela Dacsa