Eleanor returned home shortly before sundown and discovered Cecilia in tears. She ran over to her in a panic. "What are you crying about? Have you heard anything from Uncle? How is Aunt?"
Her stomach dropped as she thought something bad had happened to Valeria.
"Mamma is okay," Cecilia responded, her voice cracking. She sniffed and rubbed her already red nose. "Lucas is leaving." She started sobbing even louder.
"Huh…" Eleanor put her hands against her cheeks, staring incredulously at her. "What is there to cry about?"
"Because I am worried about him," Cecilia barked, shooting a glare at her.
She had pretended to be bold in front of Lucas and waved goodbye to him with a smile. But she couldn't control herself from breaking down into tears as soon as she got home. Worry and tension awoke an unknown fear in her mind, despite knowing how strong and skilled Lucas was.
