Evander slumped into his seat upon hearing the news from Bram. The baby had died. He hadn't expected it at all. For reasons he couldn't understand, his heart ached, and he found he couldn't hold back his tears.
Hazel saw him and immediately came closer.
"What's wrong?" she asked, touching his shoulder gently. "Did something bad happen?"
Evander wiped his face. "My friend told me his baby died," he said softly.
Hazel covered her mouth, shocked. She felt a pang of sympathy at the news.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
Evander smiled bitterly. "I don't know. It just hurts to hear it. I can't imagine how the mother must feel."
He then looked at Hazel.
"My time here is almost up," he said, holding her face. "Sooner or later, I'll have to go home. I hope I can take you with me, and we can get
