Back at the house, Zaque and Heiren moved around the kitchen area— chopping vegetables, chopping meat, and stirring pots.
The fire crackled, casting a golden glow over their faces.
Night had fallen in the city up north, but they were still sure if Coco would return tonight. They had prepared extra food anyway.
A large pot of potato stew simmered, with a fresh half loaf of bread sitting wrapped on a platter beside it, and all of it is meant for her, too, just in case she comes back home feeling all hungry.
They worked quietly, hopeful, but not counting on it yet.
Zaque and Heiren exchanged quiet glances, understanding of their wife's circumstances, because they knew Coco's role as team leader.
She had responsibilities, risks, so she might not come back for days if something went wrong.
But they aren't panicking.
They're just wiishing— wishing the mission was over soon, wishing she would walk through that front door any minute now.
