"You praise him too much, Mom. He..." The mother and daughter were engrossed in a private conversation after Anom had left when an unexpected interruption occurred.
"Yeah. What's the point of praising me behind my back?" Anom's sudden voice startled both women, causing Crystal to attempt leaping into her mother's lap but inadvertently shoving her down instead.
"You!" Crystal felt a mixture of fury and embarrassment at being caught off guard. Her anger intensified as she saw Anom standing behind them, his eyes filled with amusement.
Swiftly seizing a nearby pillow, she aimed it directly at his face. "Why are you back, you sneaking bastard?"
Anom chuckled, effortlessly catching the pillow mid-air. "I overheard you yelling my name, so I assumed you needed me. But I'm glad I returned. It's always entertaining to hear you grumble about me to your mother."
Crystal blushed at his retort but continued to growl. "Are you a dog or something? And don't you know it's impolite to eavesdrop?"
"Alright, alright! Relax, you two." Loreana intervened in their banter, smiling helplessly. "And you, Anom, enough with the teasing." Though she spoke sternly, her smile indicated her approval of his efforts to uplift her daughter's spirits after receiving such devastating news.
"Tell me, are you here to discuss the proposal you mentioned earlier?" she asked, further inquiring about his intentions.
Anom ceased his teasing grin directed at Crystal, who still appeared upset and embarrassed, and turned to Loreana. "Yes," he nodded. "We should have this conversation right away because I need to start preparing tomorrow." Uncertain about how long Nia and Kristin could remain there, he felt it was best to act promptly before the situation became less favorable.
Loreana nodded, gesturing for Crystal to make room for Anom to sit. "Hmph!" Crystal huffed in displeasure but reluctantly made some space.
Anom settled beside them and began outlining his plan. It might have seemed like a simple gesture, but for Loreana to allow him to sit on her bed—excluding the earlier incident—was a testament to the trust she had placed in him. Anom noticed the subtle gesture and felt gratified to have earned her trust.
As Loreana finished listening to the rough outline of his plan to alleviate the crisis hanging over the Safaira family, her brows furrowed in concern. Anom observed her expression and couldn't help but ask, "You don't like it, ma'am?"
"I know it's a temporary solution, but we need to understand the situation on the other side before taking any irreversible action. I—"
"That's not the issue," Loreana interjected firmly. "While I can agree with your plan to visit the Handler family, despite its risks, going to the capital is not a plan! It's a reckless invitation to danger, potentially risking your life!" Loreana's words were harsh, driven by her deep concern. She couldn't fathom how her daughter would cope with another trauma if something were to happen to Anom. The thought of losing him also weighed heavily on her own heart.
Anom sighed, anticipating her reaction. "So, what do you suggest I do?" he asked helplessly. The two girls from the capital shared similar concerns, but they displayed a daring—almost reckless—approach, as seen in their previous mission.
"Finish the first part of your plan, and then leave the city with Crystal and Luna. I will take care of your travel arrangements to another city. You can choose where to go and inform me later. As for your expenses..."
"Wait, wait, wait!" Crystal interrupted abruptly. "What are you talking about, Mother? How can you even think that I would leave without you? No! I'm not going anywhere until this is all over!"
Crystal's expression was resolute, her determination unwavering. Loreana felt helpless and turned to Anom, silently pleading for his support.
"She's right," Anom agreed, his disagreement evident. "I understand your concerns, but believe me when I say that abandoning you and this family would not be the best decision for her. Think about what might happen if we return here one day and find nothing but ruins. Can the risks I would have to take in the capital be more painful than the heartbreak your daughter might endure?"
"It's not that dire," Loreana argued, her tone more imploring than forceful. "Once we find a safe location, we can gradually arrange for our family members to join us. Then—"
"What happens next? Do we allow them to become wanderers with no place to call home? And that's assuming the most optimistic scenario! What if the enraged Handler family decides to track you down? Do you believe you can outrun them now that they have more resources at their disposal? And I'm guessing Gamus must have discussed this plan with you as well. But even as a backup plan, it's a complete disaster!"
Loreana lowered her head, unsure of how to respond to Anom's relentless criticism. Crystal briefly considered intervening but decided against it after contemplating her mother's decision. Did Loreana truly see her daughter as heartless? Crystal would rather face death with her family than flee like a coward!
Seeing that Loreana had stopped pushing them away, Anom decided to alleviate her remaining concerns once and for all. He leaned forward, embracing her shoulders before enveloping her in his arms and speaking softly, "I know you are most worried about your daughter. But believe me when I say that I'm not someone who plays recklessly with my life." Loreana listened, finding comfort in his words as her body instinctively relaxed into his embrace. Lost in her tangled thoughts, she momentarily forgot that they were not alone, as they had been during their previous intimate moments.
"And do you really think I will leave her behind when I go to the capital? Don't worry, I have already accounted for that in the initial plan."
Crystal wanted to inquire about something, but she was taken aback by his statement. "Hey, didn't you just say that leaving was a bad idea when Mom suggested it? So, what are you doing...?" Frustration etched across her face as she realized she hadn't even had a chance to express her thoughts regarding her own fate. She looked at Anom, perplexed, her eyes searching for an answer that wouldn't make her want to pounce on him in anger.
"Calm down, you wildcat! I'm not suggesting leaving you alone. Luna and your mother will also accompany us."
Crystal's agitation subsided upon hearing his explanation, though she remained puzzled. She scratched her head, attempting to piece together the entirety of the situation.
Loreana was taken aback, her astonishment evident as she looked at Anom. "Anom, I have already told you..." she began, searching his eyes for understanding.
"Stop bringing it up already," Anom interjected, cutting her off. "Others might not see it, but I can tell that you're already sacrificing yourself and the family for your daughter's safety."
"What are you trying to say, Anom?" Crystal's confusion deepened as she struggled to make sense of the unfolding situation.
Anom pressed on before Loreana could intervene: "You may not realize it, but the only reason your mother still cares about this family is because of you. You're the only connection that keeps her tied to this family. And once you leave, being the principled woman she is, she will remain with this family until they are destroyed or scattered."
Crystal was taken aback by this unexpected revelation. "Am I the only link? Isn't this her home too...?" She could only utter these words before her mind started to grapple with their meaning.
Anom shook his head, his expression grave. "I may not have known her for long, but even when she talked about your father, I could sense her fear for you and her concern for your well-being. His death didn't sadden her; she was only worried about your future. And she only cares about this family because it offers you a secure and stable future. She won't allow you to stay and perish with the others now that the family is at risk of destruction. I'm not saying she's heartless or anything. No, she never had feelings for your father to begin with. I'm not sure what transpired in the past, but I believe she felt obligated to look after this family. And now that you're about to leave, she's ready to fulfill that duty one last time."
"Please, stop..." Loreana tried to intervene, hoping to sway Anom from divulging further. But he persisted, determined to express his thoughts. "First, listen to me, Loreana. You should stop seeing your daughter as a child. Treat her as an equal and share things with her rather than keeping them to yourself. I understand that you're trying to shield her from sadness, but the truth will eventually come out. It's better for her to know in advance so she can prepare herself instead of having her heart shattered by a sudden revelation."
"Sigh, I really dislike these dramatic situations. I'm only enduring this for the two of you, you know."
Silence enveloped the room as everyone struggled to find the right words. After a brief pause, a laugh echoed, breaking the tension and bringing the awkwardness to an end.
Crystal was the one to break the silence, her voice laced with amusement. "You really love us, don't you?" she asked Anom, a giggle escaping her lips.
"Of course..." Anom replied, caught off guard by her question and unable to retract his words. He had unintentionally let his guard down in the presence of these two. 'Damn! This girl set a trap for me!'
Unfortunately for Anom, it was already too late to take back his heartfelt admission.