Malia's POV

The thought of him living out his final years alone, a man weighed down by grief and regret, was a painful one. But knowing that Lily had been there, offering him kindness and support, brought a measure of comfort.

"But, I'm not going to leave you all by yourself so soon after your dad's death," Lily continued.

My heart squeezed, "Lily… what about the condition?"

She smiled at me, a small shaky smile filled with a little bit of mischief. "He only said that I should retire immediately. He gave no specific time frame on when I should begin my travels. As of this moment, I am retiring...