The attempt to end the war in a single day by drawing blood on the first failed — instead, it raged on like no other. Soon, the rainy season arrived.
One day, Liebe was sitting by the window, watching the rain.
Gelda walked over and said, "Hey, kiddo. What's wrong? Why do you look so sad?"
Liebe replied softly, "When is Mommy coming back?"
"She'll be back soon," Gelda said gently. "She's just really busy lately."
"But you told me that last week… and the week before that," Liebe said, frowning.
Tenebris chimed in, "So what if Mommy's not here? You still have me! Wanna play in the rain?"
Liebe's eyes lit up. "Let's go, Daddy!"
"Let's go, kiddo!" Tenebris said with a smile.
Alysa appeared and asked, "Can we go too?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Let's go."
Tenebris laughed. "The more, the merrier!"
They all ran outside to play in the rain.
"Gelda, join us!" Liebe called.
Gelda shook her head with a small smile. "Sorry, Liebe, I'm not a fan of getting wet."
Liebe looked up. "By the way, when is Licht coming back to play with us?"
Gelda replied, "He'll be back soon. He's just a bit busy, that's all."
"Then Daddy, let's play hide and seek! It'll be fun in the rain!" Liebe said excitedly.
"Sorry, kiddo," Tenebris said. "In the rain, my smoke doesn't work properly. Look—Smoke Magic: Smoke Screen!"
He cast the spell, but the smoke quickly dispersed in the rain.
"See? Doesn't last."
Alysa said, "So what? We can still play regular hide and seek or tag. But Liebe — no using darkness!"
Liebe whispered to Elizabeth, "Can you help me hide?"
Elizabeth smiled. "Sure."
Alysa called out, "You two done scheming?"
Liebe laughed. "Fine, no tricks!"
And so, they played hide and seek in the rain, their laughter echoing through the storm.
Back inside, Gelda's communicator buzzed. She answered, "Go for Gelda."
A familiar voice came through. "It's been a while. How are the kids?" Lilith asked.
Gelda replied, "All good. No signs of any attacks so far. Glad to see you're holding the frontlines."
Lilith asked, "How's Liebe?"
"He's good, but…" Gelda hesitated.
"But what? Is he hurt? Sick? Or something worse?" Lilith's tone turned serious.
"Nothing like that," Gelda reassured her. "He just really misses you and Domr. He spends most of his time by the window, just… waiting. It's been about a month and a half since you both left."
Lilith went quiet for a moment. "I suppose… I've been away too long."
Gelda added, "If possible, try not to let him know how busy you are."
Lilith sighed. "Easier said than done."
Gelda smiled softly. "Especially for a mommy's boy like him."