When Alexis had left Duefron, it had been tough for Leonel.
Heâd wait by the window, hoping for her postcards.
Noreen had avoided him then, scared of his repeated question day after dayââDid Alexis send anything?â
But no postcards came.
So he had someone take photos for him.
He missed Alexis and Cordelia dearly.
She was such a cute little girl.
Seeing the pictures, he felt he was watching Cordelia grow.
Her hair started thin, then thickened, just Like Alexisâ.
He could still feel the warmth of holding Cordelia at the airport.
Leonelâs hands shook suddenly.
He placed the photo on his chest and turned off the Light in silence.
The night dragged on with his battle against pain.
Like every night had for months now.
Early in the morning, the birds chirped outside.
Someone pulled into the yard.
Leonel recognized Marcusâ Rolls-Royce, so he didnât rush out of bed.
After a while, when he heard footsteps, he struggled into his robe and shuffled to the living room.
Marcus entered and Leonel lit a cigarette.
As his ex-brother-in-law, Marcus carried boxes of local goods, leaning against the door, sneering, âNova told me some idiot tried going upstairs actually using the stairs last night.
And he screamed all night from the pain! I thought Iâd see if you were still kicking⦠Damn it, Leonel! Quit the smoking and drinking, you fool!â
Marcus snatched the cigarette and stubbed it out.
Leonel looked at his empty hand, smiling wryly.
âItâs all Iâve got left.
Youâre harsh, Marcus.
â
Marcus rolled his eyes.
Placing the gift boxes on the sofa, he said, âJulie brought these for you from her hometown.
They are supposed to help with the recovery.
â
Leonel picked up a box with a faint smile on his lips.
âReally? Are you serious?â
Marcus didnât reply and just stared at Leonel.
âI heard you two met at the airport yesterday?â
Leonel was shocked by Marcusâ words.
After a pause, he murmured, âDid Alexis spill the beans?â
Marcus lit a cigarette, taking a drag before replying, âNo, your driver spilled it.
â