School had been in session for over a month now, and Cain's studies had gradually settled into a steady rhythm. Just as Saphen always said, Cain was genuinely smart—after only a month, he had already received praise from his teachers. Saphen was even prouder than if he himself had been praised, so Thora could hear Saphen's constant bragging about Cain all day long.
It was as if he were trying to prove to Thora just how capable Cain really was, and how utterly correct his own decision had been.
Every time, Thora would kick Saphen aside. After Saphen ran off, Thora still couldn't help but smile a little. Saphen had never had a family before, nor any particularly close friends. He had almost existed solely to keep himself alive—but now, he seemed to have come back to life, vibrant and full of energy, all because of one child. Maybe this kind of situation wasn't so bad after all, Thora couldn't help but think.
"Jake took leave? Does anyone know what's going on?"
