"Oliver?"

     The ravages of painful flashbacks consumed Oliver's mind, but amidst the turmoil, a familiar voice gently pierced through the chaos. The sound acted as a soothing balm, gradually alleviating the grip of torment on his thoughts. Slowly, Oliver opened his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the present reality. To his right, he saw his adoptive father, Frederick, walking towards him.

"Oliver?" Frederick's voice brimmed with worry as he called out to his adoptive son, moving closer towards him.

"Dad?" Oliver's voice quivered. 

Frederick slowly approached Oliver. "Are you alright?" Frederick asked.

     Oliver gathered a deep breath, his exhalation quivering with exhaustion as he found himself drained of the energy and will to respond. With a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes, seeking respite in the quiet stillness. Frederick stood beside Oliver as a pillar of support. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around his son and leaned his head gently on his shoulder as his eyes softened.

Frederick's calm voice encompassed Oliver like a gentle breeze. With a tender squeeze of his arm around his son, he whispered, "Calm down... calm down..."

     Oliver wrestles with the sorrow in his heart, attempting to quell the unwelcome thoughts in his mind. However, he finds himself defeated, struggling to reclaim his strength. He sniffs and lowers his head, feeling the weight of his emotions. Suddenly, a little boy's voice pierces the air, instantly widening Oliver's eyes.

"Daddy?" Jean called out.

     Upon hearing Jean's voice calling him, Oliver swiftly turns around, his attention immediately captured. He steps towards Jean and lowers himself, kneeling before him. Gently, Oliver places his hands on Jean's shoulders, feeling the warmth beneath his palms as he takes a deep, quivering breath through his nose.

"Jean," Oliver said.

Confusion clouded Jean's face. "Why?" he responded, unaware of the unfolding events.

Oliver let out a deep sigh as a gentle smile graced his lips. "Please, Jean, be careful. Take care of yourself. And always remember, I love you. I love all of you," he stated, glancing at his children.

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Victoria raised her hand and took a cautious step forward. "Father?" she spoke softly.

"Yes?" Oliver glanced at Victoria.

"What's happening?" she asked curiously.

Oliver met Victoria's gaze, his eyes filled with a reassuring presence. "I assure each of you, my dearest children, that it is nothing to worry about," he answered, his voice steady and calm.

Elizabeth's voice trembled. "We'll be okay...?" she questioned.

"...Yes," Oliver nodded.

     Sighing, Oliver rises from the ground. He extends his hand, gesturing to his children to come closer. Without hesitation, Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George, and Jean gather around their father, finding comfort in the strength of his arms. With hastened breaths, Oliver gazes at each of his children, his hold tightening as he silently conveys his love and protectiveness. Closing his eyes, he takes a deep, steadying breath, attempting to find a moment of calm amidst the whirling storm of worries.

     The weight of concern for his children's well-being presses heavily upon Oliver's heart as he clenches his teeth. He carries the burden of knowing that the man who once took away his family is now free, and the fear of history repeating itself grips him tightly. Yet, in the face of an unpredictable future, he cannot fully expect what lies ahead. The element of surprise looms, causing genuine and unstoppable fright to dash through Oliver's veins.

"Dad, I'm scared..." Elizabeth confessed as she squeezed her hands together.

Oliver's gaze softened as he looked at Elizabeth, his daughter's vulnerability tugging at his heartstrings. With a reassuring smile, he gently placed a hand on his trembling ones. "Shh... it's alright," he whispered. "There's nothing to fear... I will protect everyone. Remember... I'm a Podeshire."

     Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George, and Jean huddled closely around Oliver, their bodies entwined in a tight embrace. They squeezed each other, feeling a chill run down their spines. The children knew something unsettling was happening, although they couldn't grasp the details. The atmosphere was devoid of joy, leaving them with unease and trepidation.

"...Please go to your bedrooms," Oliver timidly urged his children. "It's best if you all rest and sleep now."

"We'll take them to their rooms," Sophia offered.

Oliver nodded.

     Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany step towards the children. Together, they guide the kids out of the dining room and proceed towards the grand staircase in the lobby. Oliver's gaze remains fixed on his companions, finding assurance as he watches them lead his children away safely.

Oliver sighed, his gaze shifting between Gregory and Frederick as a heavy silence settled upon him. "..." The weight of the situation hung in the thick air, leaving him grappling for the right words.

"So...?" Gregory's voice broke the silence.

Taking a slow, deep breath, Oliver steadied himself before speaking. "...Regarding the idea of initiating an investigation to track down Cal before he finds me, I... uh... I must seek permission from my superiors, the chief and the general. I will also need to assemble a team of licensed detectives," Oliver explained.

"How do you plan to carry out the investigation? What's the strategy?" Frederick inquired.

"The investigation needs to begin as soon as possible; we cannot wait. By tomorrow morning, I will approach my chief and general to discuss the matter further. Following that, we'll interrogate every employee and personnel at the Asbranne State Prison. From there, we'll gather any potential clues and... hope for the best outcome," Oliver responded.

"Oli," Gregory placed a comforting hand on Oliver's palm.

"Hm?" Oliver glanced at Gregory.

"You know, just like before, we'll stand by your side and help you with this 'investigation', alright?" Gregory stated.

Frederick joined in, his smile mirroring Gregory's sentiment. "I agree," he said.

     Oliver summoned his courage, and a flicker of a smile danced upon his lips as he took a deep breath, reclaiming his inner strength. His gaze drifted towards his spouse and adoptive father, filled with warmth and gratitude for their unwavering support. However, behind the facade of resilience, his eyes betrayed the lingering traces of fear and worry that consumed his thoughts. The glistening in his eyes reflected the tumultuous storm of emotions that churned within.