By now, most of the supply cargo had been unloaded.

  It was time for Robert and Jana to return to Oslo.

  Robert gave Ga a long, tight embrace before parting.

  Jana, composed as ever, merely lifted a hand and waved.

  Moments later, the couple climbed the gangway.

  The ship slowly pulled away from the pier.

  Robert remained on deck, leaning against the railing, unwilling to take his eyes off Ga.

  Beside him, Jana stretched lazily.

  “Well,” she said, “we’ve finally rid ourselves of that troublesome child, haven’t we?”

  She gave Robert a light pat on the back.

  “Come on, be a man. Wipe those tears—aren’t you ashamed?

  If you keep that face, you’ll only make the child worry.”

  With a yawn, Jana turned and headed back into the cabin.

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  Tears streaming down his face, Robert clasped his hands together and prayed.

  “O gods… if it pleases you, protect this child.

  Grant her your miracles and sacred guardianship.

  Do not let her suffer humiliation, oppression, or the shadow of death…”

  On the shore, Ga suddenly ran a few steps forward, nearly slipping off the edge of the pier.

  Startled, Andrew and the soldiers rushed after her.

  “Grandpa!” Ga shouted toward the departing ship.

  “I’ll come back to visit you someday!

  Tell Grandma for me!”

  Her voice—clear and bright—cut through the roar of wind and waves.

  Robert heard every word.

  He waved frantically in response, signaling that he had heard her—and urging her not to step any closer to the edge.

  Seeing his gesture, Ga finally relaxed.

  She turned and followed Andrew and the others away from the pier.

  As she walked, a strong sea wind tore the bandage from her head.

  The wound beneath had already healed, leaving no trace.

  Suddenly, someone rushed onto the deck and dropped to their knees by the railing.

  It was Jana.

  At last, the composure she had forced upon herself collapsed.

  Her face streaked with tears and mucus, she cried out hoarsely—

  “Ga! My precious Ga!

  Don’t leave me… please—

  You must live. You must live…”

  Robert knelt down and wrapped his arms around the sobbing Jana.

  Together, they watched as Ga’s figure on the shore slowly faded from sight.