I crouched down and instead scooped Marcus into my arms, kissing his chubby cheeks.
"And you, what are you thinking about over here?"
Marcus giggled, reaching up to touch my face with his tiny hand. His calm demeanor always seemed to ground me.
"Don't be like your brothers, okay?" I said to him, but Marcus just shrugged slightly.
"They're going to grow up strong, just like you," Edna said softly, her eyes twinkling.
My smile faltered slightly. A flicker of worry crossed my face.
"I just want them to have a good life," I said. "A peaceful one..."
Edna set down her knitting and walked over, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"They will, dear. You've built a good home here, and this village will always be your walls, standing by your side."
I nodded. My heart swelled at the thought of everything Edna had done for us.
"Thank you, Edna. For everything."
