Kate’s POV

I nodded with a heavy heart, trying to hold back tears. “I believe in you, Erlan. I will wait and support you from here. Farewell, and may everything go well for you there.”

As the time for the plane to depart grew closer, we stood there, hugging each other tightly. I felt a deep emptiness and sadness as I watched him prepare to leave. Every second felt like time was ticking away, and it felt like all the happiness that had ever existed was shrinking into deep sadness.

“What about the two of us?” I asked, trying to distract myself from my sadness. “What are our plans after...