The sea breeze continued to keep the city cool, as the March days continued to get warmer. Ula was surely grateful for the hotter days, as more news continued to come back from the frontlines. It appeared that after the initial challenges of crossing the river, the city's forces managed to find a breakthrough and were now well into the newfound territory. At least she could breathe a sigh of relief that Jamal was doing well still, as well as the others.
For today, she was outside of the complex and at a local playground, just to give Laken some interaction with other kids his age. Ula was watching as the boy was chatting with two other kids while sitting on some swings. Her plan was working thankfully, as a quick look at Jackie sleeping in her stroller gave her peace and mind. After so much time, did she have a little time for herself.
"Excuse me, is this spot taken?" an older woman pointed towards the end of the bench Ula was sitting at.
"Oh no, feel free." She slid a few more inches to imply she was willing to do so.
"Thank you so much, miss." the lady took the opportunity, before staring back at Ula. "Say, aren't you Ula Mere?"
"Yes, I am."
"Oh wow, it's such an honor to meet you. I hear that Jamal is giving Youden a taste of our strength! What a great man." the woman continued to get passionate.
"Oh yeah, he really is." Ula checked on Laken, who was showing the other children his power, with the dark fire spiraling around his arm, "Laken, don't do that!"
"But Ma-." Laken turned to her, as did the other kids.
"I said, do not show them your powers! I don't need any ideas coming from anyone here right now or trouble."
"Okay." he obeyed with a bit of sadness, as his abilities quickly faded out.
"Oh wow, he already has his powers so soon?" the older woman was surprised. "That's quite rare."
"I know, I don't need him to hurt himself, not until Jamal returns at the very least." Ula stayed stern, "It's for his own good right now."
Just nodding, the other woman took a long breath of the fresh air before letting it all out. Ula just looked at the scene, as she continued to do it louder with little care. What was she trying to convey right now?
"Enjoy life while you still can, darling. It won't last forever." the woman informed her, "After all, you still have so much going for you."
"I mean, I already knew that. We'll be fine." Ula took a look at her watch, "I'm sorry, but I'll have to go soon."
"Oh, that's fine. I just wanted to share what I live by, that's all." she added, before giving a quick wave to a child looking at her. "That's my granddaughter, she'll be six in a few more months."
"Oh, that's nice to hear. My son just turned four."
"Speaking of that, I've always wanted to ask Jamal personally, but since you're here when this whole ordeal is over, you guys will leave the city, right?"
"Huh?"
"I mean, I remember the days before Youden's arrival from the very first battle and what Jamal and the other men did to save us all. I wouldn't be surprised if you wouldn't want to reunite with your families and all."
"Yeah, we were thinking about it before he left, so unless I get news from him or anyone affiliated with him, I'll be here still." Ula got up from her seat, "Thank you for the conversation."
"No, thank you, and I hope you guys have a good day now." the woman watched as Ula waved Laken to come back to her, "And to make sure you all follow your hearts!"
"Bye bye!" Laken replied back, loudly as the woman gave him another wave.
Even with all those words of encouragement, the family could do nothing but wait on the outcome. It was out of their control and would be up to those leading the real war against Youden and his army. But until then, within their own hearts, did they hold onto that hope that would guide them to a better life.