As early as eight o'clock, Carmen and Ethan were dressed, and when they came downstairs, Dax was awaiting them at the front door.

“Both of us will have breakfast at my parents' place,” Carmen mumbled as she looked at him.

“Okay, extend my greeting to them,” Dax said as he faintly smiled at her.

“Sure.”

“Drive safely.”

For a moment both of them stared into each other's eyes. Then Carmen held Ethan’s hand and said, “Let's go, buddy.”

“Bye, Dad,” Ethan mumbled.

With a smile on his face, Dax rubbed his hand into Ethan's hair. Then he watched as Carmen carried him out of the house.

A few hours later,...