RALPH

Keilah's eyes widened at my declaration, and I thought she was going to ask me about it, but instead, she asked, "Ralph, do you remember me now? As your mate? Our plans, everything?"

I stared at her for a moment, my heart aching. "I do, mate," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I remember you, baby girl."

Her face lit up with a radiant smile, so pure it pierced through the darkness in my heart. Before I knew it, she threw herself into my arms, and I held her tightly, feeling her tiny hands gripping me as if she never wanted to let go.

"Thank God you're back,"...