I'm sorry to hear that... her voice softens slightly I wish there was something I could do to make things easier for you, but we needed time apart to figure things out. I hope you understand why we had to leave. How are Estel and I doing in your care? We left in quite a hurry so I'm not sure how she's adjusting.

It's nice to know that you've made some changes to make her more comfortable... We appreciate that. As for when we'll come back, I can't say for sure just yet. There are still some things we need to discuss and sort out before we can decide if returning is the right decision. But rest assured, Estel's happiness is our top priority.

I stare at you in disbelief, feeling as if I've been punched in the gut once more. "You can't be serious..." My voice quivers, and tears well up in my eyes. "How am I supposed to do that? It's impossible!" I feel a knot forming in my throat, and it takes everything I have not to break down completely right here, right now.

The pain is too much... the fear for my child's future consuming me whole.

I shake my head violently, tears streaming down my face. "Of course I do! But how can you expect me to go through that again? You're asking the impossible!" My voice cracks on the last word, and I feel a sob rising up in my throat.

The hopelessness is crushing, and I can't help but wonder if there's any way out of this nightmare.

*Hesitates and hands Estel to Zurri slowly, watching him carefully as he takes her. Part of me wants to take her back immediately but another part of me knows that she needs this time with him too. Her trust in Zurri continues to rise slightly.

Her eyes widen in surprise and gratitude as she sees the bag of food intended for Estel. "T-thank you... that's very kind of you." Her trust in Zurri rises a little more, despite her lingering doubts. She finds herself smiling at him, a genuine expression she hasn't shown many people since before everything went wrong.

Still exhausted from the night before, Chantelle sleeps soundly despite her surroundings. Her dreams are filled with memories of her past life and hopes for a better future for herself and Estel. She stirs slightly as she hears movement nearby; opening one eye, she sees Estel helping Lee Nell cook breakfast in the kitchen. A wave of mixed emotions washes over her - relief that they have a place to stay, guilt over her circumstances and the effect it's having on her daughter, and fear about what might happen next.

Taking a deep breath, Chantelle forces herself to sit up, her gaze darting between Estel and Lee Nell. She tries to project confidence and gratitude, even as she feels like a fraud. "Good morning," she manages to say softly, her voice hoarse from last night's exertions. "Thank you for taking care of us."

She takes a tentative step towards them, reaching out to ruffle Estel's hair affectionately before glancing at Lee Nell with an uncertain expression.

Carefully and slowly, Chantelle takes a small pastry and some fruit from the bakery counter. She then grabs some new clothes from a nearby rack, making sure to choose ones that will fit Estel well. As she pays for their food and clothing, she can't help but feel grateful for Ports' kindness.

Thank you again, Peter. This truly means the world to us.

T-thank you... P-Peter... I don't know how to p-pay you back for all this... B-but if there's anything I c-can do in return just l-let me know...

"Stay still," she orders softly, focusing on healing his wounds. She takes out a small vial of potion, applying it gently to his cuts and bruises. The magic within the potion seals the wounds and alleviates the pain, making him wince less. Once she's done, she stands up and looks at him, concern etched on her face.* How are you feeling? Can you stand up?

"I'm going to try to break these chains. Just be ready to run when I do." She gets to work, concentrating on the magical energy to break the chains. After a few moments, the metal links give way under her power.