[Montmartre Residence, Monoceros Keep, Foranea 1:55 PM, 7th of Umbral-Tide/Darktide, Year 426]

A bespectacled short haired blonde woman wearing a white lab coat just came home from a half-day clinic duty which she knew there were two physicians at work aside from the medical staff.  She sat down on the couch and placed her belongings on the table. The pregnant pediatrician let out a deep breath and took a rest for a while before checking her mother-in-law and her carers. She was waiting for her husband's letter to be received, hoping of how he had been doing back in Odyssea Academy, and anticipating for his safe return during and after her labor due date.

Then, she just stood up from her seat, took a glass of water, and drank. She rubbed her large protuding belly which she had a daughter for eight months.

" Emie, your papa will come home soon with us, " she said with a smile. " We're all excited for him. You will see him very soon. "

Just then, she heard a loud knock on the door and felt a kick when she moaned.  The door kept knocking.

" Ow! Emie, not now! Don't kick too hard! You're not ready to come out yet! " The pregnant doctor slowly walked over the door and asked. " Who is it? "

A familiar male voice echoed from the door and pretended to be a stranger," Bonjour, j'ai un colis pour le docteur Glenda Joy Montmartre. (Good afternoon, I have a package for Doctor Glenda Joy Montmartre.) "

" A package?  I didn't buy anything or even expect something from Amnon, just his letters! "  Glenda dubiously thought,  cocked her eyebrows, and asked. " De qui et d'où vient-il, monsieur?  (Who and where is it from, sir?) "

" L'expéditeur n'a pas de nom indiqué sur le colis, mais votre nom est sûrement indiqué, Docteur Montmartre. (The sender doesn't have a name indicated on the package, but surely your name is indicated, Doctor Montmartre.) "

" My name is indicated from an unknown source?! Now, that's strangely funny, " she suspiciously thought and asked again. "  Puis-je le voir s'il vous plaît? Dois-je payer des frais de livraison?(May I see it please? Do I have to pay for delivery charges?) "

" Non, c'est gratuit, docteur. Je vais juste le déposer devant votre porte et partir. Ouvrez simplement la porte et voyez par vous-même, s'il vous plaît. (No, it's for free, doctor. I'll just drop it off on your doorstep and leave. Just open the door and see it for yourself, please.) "

Glenda heavily sighed as she was still having some trust issues with the 'delivery man' waiting on the doorstep. She was contemplating to open the door and holding her large belly.

" Emie, do you think should I open the door now? " she apprehensively asked.

The child in the womb kicked her mother for the second time to her response as Glenda moaned in pain. Then, she twisted the doorknob. To her surprise, she recognized a tall bespectacled and moustached man wearing a fedora hat and trenchcoat. He had a dark blue business suit underneath as he smiled to his wife. Just behind him, there were boxes and luggages. Glenda didn't expect for him to arrive before her due date and remained speechless in seeing her husband.

" I told you the package is free of charge, Doctor Glenda Montmartre, " he grinned and chuckled, removing his hat and revealing his golden yellow slick hair.

" Amnon! " she gasped in shock and instantly hugged her spouse, passionately kissing him back.

Doctor Amnon Montmartre had his lips to his wife and hugged her back like a returning soldier from the war.  She tightly placed her arms around him. Amnon placed his hands on his wife's waist and felt a bump from her. He smiled as he had his tender moments of seeing and longing for his wife and incoming daughter.

" I missed you, Cheesecake, " she smiled back and kissed his cheeks.

" I missed you too, Babe, " he sweetly replied, still hugging his wife.

" Why the sudden return? I thought you're gonna..."

" Glen, I have a lot of explaining to do later. For now, I just need some rest and later I will surprise mama and everyone. "

" So, shall I help you with your practical joke? "

" Just take it easy, you have a lovely child carrying inside the womb. "

" Right. "

Amnon removed his trenchcoat and formal navy jacket, placing them on the hanging pole including his hat. He went outside and brought his luggages and boxes one by one and placed them on the study area beside the living room.  Glenda sat down and watched him carrying them.

" You sure you spent more time up there as you wrote in your letters, " she replied.

" I might say I have both good and bad times at work. You were aware that Damocles tricked me back in my mission in Robania and my sudden suspension in Asclepius, " he explained. " Then, I worked at a top secret organization at Kosmos Building. "

" Wait? What?! " Glenda raised her voice in shock and reasoned. " Cheesecake, back in our Odyssea Academy days, it's really restricted to go there! Why did you..."

" Glen, I've read my employment contract. With my first six months, I have rendered my position as a head physician in Asclepius aside from working as a guild contractor. Then, I took some part-time outpatient works aside from being a combat medic for the party. Professor Puck brought us there and met some people in Kosmos Building. "

" Then, I assume you started working for some dangerous secret missions. "

Amnon sat down beside his wife, placed his right arm on her back, and replied, " Let's say, I have been to the Arcane Stretch, Darsan, Vilbian Isles, Hurroka, and Aulia. All of them were strictly classified. "

" Amnon, you made me worried for the past two to three months. You just wrote to me that you were doing good at work, but there are times that your homesickness struck you. You could have told me..." she said with concern and placed her right hand to his left.

" I'm sorry that I contained it as they were deemed as classified. Glen, I will never return to fighting and dealing with those dangerous missions. "

" You've just resigned? "

Amnon instantly nodded and said, " I have a life here as a doctor and an incoming parent just like you. I don't want to continue my military-like exploits anymore. I will risk my life for not seeing you all. They reminded me of our Foranean Army days. Greg was indeed right, I still have those war shocks. I decided to live a quieter life, working in our clinic and returning to Monoceros Keep General Hospital as an associate physician. As you wrote, you're going to work a book with me about child care while raising Emie. That's all that matters to me, Glen. "

" Amnon..." Glenda gently cupped her husband's face. " You did the right thing to spare yourself from danger. "

" I won't miss it for our family. " he kissed his wife's forehead and cheeks. Then, he carefully placed his right hand to his wife's large belly. Glenda curiously noticed it.

" Cheesecake, you just lost your right hand? Why? What happened? "

" A mission in Aulia struck me. One of the Carnival members stopped time using his card spells and messed up my mind as he instantly cut-off my right hand. I ended up in shambles when a friend gave me a wooden hand before meeting Asharus for my new one. "

" Oh my goodness..."

" I know. There's no point of doing those wild things anymore. I am very physically and mentally exhausted, " he seriously said. " I'm better off with you and seeing Emie very soon. By the way, I have my final pay check to encash it at the bank. It's a pretty sufficient amount to pay off the bills and expenses. I am going to allot this money for savings and emergency expenses. "

" That's great, " Glenda leaned on her husband's shoulder. " You will start working at the clinic tomorrow? "

" Yep, and you will be in half-day work? "

" As usual, I have Amélie and my cousin Wilma working as  internal medicine physicians. Then, you my fellow handsome war veteran will be a returning member of the clinic workforce, " she smiled and gently poked his nose.

" Definitely, no more fighting involved. Just consultation, diagnosis, and perscription, " he chuckled.

" Right, " she winked, cuddled her husband, and asked. " Oh, I forgot to ask. How did you get here? "

" Well, the tiefling scientist Asharus teleported me here including my baggage and boxes after I filed for my immediate resignation and got my separation pay and certificate of employment, " Amnon replied.

" How about your group? "

" I left them a farewell letter to Mr. Asharus. This time, they have to go to Beirun for their last mission. "

" Oh, how's Esme? "

" She's doing fine. After the missions, she wants to start a life on the farms. Eventually, she will meet Tulip's parents first before she will pay us a visit. "

" I see, " Glenda smiled. " I'm looking forward to see her in the future. "

" And how's our little Esmeralda Joanna inside the womb?  "

" She's getting bigger and heavier than before. I'm glad that she's able to cooperate with me even she's getting playful and responsive. There are times that I feel so tired and have leg cramps and frequent urination. I'm starting to feel anxious if Emie will get off from me very soon. "

" Are you getting contractions? "

" Very frequently, starting this week. I keep singing and playing the piano to her in order to calm down. I'm supposed to do it right now, but you have just come unexpectedly. "

" Oh thank goodness, I'm just in time to look after before or on your due date labor. "

" Why? "

" Mr. Asharus and Mother Superior with your namesake have learned of your pregnancy and soon labor. They said that it's the best for me to remain with you until Emie comes. "

" So, that's the main reason of your resignation? " she asked.

" Yep, " Amnon kissed his wife and touched her belly. He felt his daughter's heartbeat and movement.  " She's very pleased to meet me from inside the womb. "

" Yeah, " Glenda nodded and kissed him back. " When you were away, I have always spent talking to Emie about you as her father.  "

" I have been seeing your picture and Emie's ultrasound image. "

" It seems that our long distance moment has made us feel more connected than ever. Now, we're together we can bond, but expect more false alarms and pranks from her. "

" She gets your sense of humour, " he chuckled.

" Yeah, definitely. "

Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door as the physician spouses exchanged glances. Glenda whispered to her husband as he nodded. Then, another male voice echoed.

" Big Sis Glen, I'm home! " he loudly greeted. " Hello?! Bonjour? "

" It's your brother, Pierre, " she spoke.

" I'll get it, " Amnon replied, stood up from his seat, and opened the door, seeing his younger brother with short spiky blonde locks. He was wearing a Foranean Army uniform as he came home from work. Captain Pierre Gabriel Montmartre remained speechless, eyeing at his older brother's very stern face.

" Hey, Bro! " he greeted, gave him a very awkward grin, and chuckled. " I didn't know you're here. My, how very unexpected to see you home! "

" You gave me freaking prototypes, Pierre. I ended up wounding my hands as they got exploded. "

" Ehehehe...Ay Blyat..." Pierre anxiously chuckled and muttered.

" Yeah, I have said that for several times back in Aulia. "

" Look, Sparky. I'm really sorry that they got malfunctioned. I was supposed to tell you on how to check that. "

" I am not going to fight anymore, Pierre. I'm staying home for good. Like you wrote in the letter, I am selling the boomsticks in exchange of money to buy baby stuff. "

" Oh really? Why? "

" Long story, I will explain later. "

" Eh, right..." Pierre nodded, noticed and pointed his older brother's moustache. " Are you gonna keep that, Sparky? "

" Yeah,  Glenda likes it. "

Glenda nodded in agreement, witnessed the two brothers' s conversation, and replied, " It still looks nice on him. "

" Seriously? You look too old and grumpy, " the Foranean Army captain taunted and laughed at Amnon who was angrily glaring at him.

Amnon was controlling his bioelectricity spells and gently placing his left hand to his brother's shoulder. He intently smiled, " You know what? I forgive you. I'm supposed to kill you to your embarrassment. I guess I have to let it pass for Lady Photis's sakes. "

" Uh...yeah...right, " Pierre nervously grinned. " Sure. Anyways, I just need to get some rest. Are you guys gonna check on  mama? "

" I believe she's still sleeping in her room at this hour, " Glenda answered. " If she wakes up along with the carers, she will be so surprised to see your brother returning home. "

" Oh, yeah! " her brother-in-law gave Amnon a strong and loud slap on his back. " I know who's gonna cook us for dinner, because Sparky has been missing in action for eight to nine months! "

Amnon shot a glare to his younger brother who gave him a loud hardy laugh. He crossed his arms and let out a deep sigh at him.

" Now, I am being voluntold and volunpoint. Great. Merci beaucoup. Pierre, "  he deadpanned and turned to his wife. " Glen, please take some rest. I'll be working at the kitchen and prepare dinner. "

" Sure, Cheesecake, " she kissed her husband's cheeks.

[Few Hours Later]

" You had almost lost your private parts back in Aulia?! Really?! " Pierre loudly laughed at his older brother who was busy preparing food at the kitchen. " You gotta be kidding me, Sparky! If that Carnival guy did it on purpose to you, you could have been yelling and crying in pain! "

" You know what? Don't make a big deal it out of it, " Amnon sighed and kept stirring the warm tomato sauce in the pot for the beef stew. " I consider it as cringy after all. "

" But still, it's funny! "

" No, it's not! "

" Yeah, it is! "

" Can we change topic, please? "

" Oh, right. Sorry, " Pierre bowed his head and sighed, thinking of what he could open up. " Originally, I'm supposed to look after Big Sis Glen's due date at the hospital and bring her there. Now, that you're here. I guess I have to stay here at home and be with mama. "

" Plans have changed, Pierre, " Amnon finished stirring the stew and carefully placed it on the bowl, passing it to his older brother. " Unexpected things happen. Just like in military tactics, you need to change the plan of action in case the mission gets out of hand. "

" Understood that, " he nodded and placed the bowl into the table.

Amnon took out some plates and utensils which he handed over to his younger sibling. Pierre carefully placed them on the table.

" You know, Bro? If you never left the Foranean Army and remained as a doctor, you could have been a Lieutenant Colonel or almost the same rank as Pascale, " he changed his topic.

" Military involvement is no longer my cup of tea, " Amnon opened up. " We argued this before Glen and I got to medical school. "

" Yeah, I respect your decision. It's just that you worked at the Contractors guild as the party's doctor, " Pierre shrugged. " It's just the opportunity that you can get re-enlisted. "

" My priorities have changed after losing my right hand, " he admitted. " I don't want that to happen again, Pierre. I almost lost Glen back in the frontlines. I never wanted to have another repetitive scenario. "

" Right. So, you're gonna start working at your own clinic tomorrow? "

" Yeah, I'm restarting my career before the baby comes. "

" Good on you, Sparky. "

" How about you? Waiting for your next assignment? "

" Sort of. "

Suddenly, they all heard another knock on the door as Pierre and his older brother turned each other. Glenda paused reading her book and slowly stood up.

" I'll get it, boys, " she called out and approached the door.

She walked over to the door and opened it. Glenda hugged her sister-in-law as she hugged her back. Marie Svetlana Montmartre arrived from law school classes and smelled the food from a distance.

" Sis, what's that smell? " Marie curiously asked.

" Marie, you will be surprised who returned today, " Glenda smiled. " He just cooked dinner for us recently. "

" Who? "

" Why don't you check it out? "

Marie placed her things at the side table and walked over to the dining and kitchen area. She was astonished to see her eldest brother who was smiling at her.

" Oh my Gods! Am I really dreaming or what?! " she exclaimed in shock.

" No, it isn't a dream, " Amnon chuckled. " Let me say this in your terms, it's Prima Facie! "

"  AMNON! " she instantly dashed and tightly hugged her brother. " MY! MY! MY! IT'S LEGITIMATELY PRIMA FACIE! I WON'T OBJECT YOUR RETURN! "

" I guess your serotonin levels got overboard as well as your heartbeat! Marie, chill! "

" I DON'T CARE MY BIG BROTHER! AT LEAST, WE HAVE YOU BACK!! WELCOME BAAAACK!! "

Amnon laughed, hugged back his youngest sister, and whispered. " I'm home now.  Marie, please lower down your voice. Mama will wake up soon. "

" Oh, sorry. I'd just carried away in seeing my big brother! "

Just then, the two Akrovian female carers aided the elderly woman with long curly blonde locks in walking. Karola Danilovskaya-Montmartre meekily looked at her eldest son who was busily serving the dinner.  Karola was trying to recall the day when she met Amnon by the magic mirror from Puck.

" Eto moy syn? (Is that my son?) "  she asked her two carers, Monika and Ilyana.

" Karola, eto Amnon, tvoy syn. (Karola, this is Amnon, your son.) "  Monika replied.

" On snova naveshchayet menya s raboty? (Is he visiting me again from his work?) "

"  YA dumayu, vam nuzhno sprosit' yego. (I think you need to ask him.) " Ilyana suggested.

Karola intently eyed at him as she widened her eyes in shock. She was no longer seeing the reflection of her son from the magic mirror, but his actual presence. She was weeping for joy as Amnon paused and noticed her.

" Ma? " he looked and curiously called her.

" Amnon, ty uzhe doma! (Amnon, you're already home!) " his mother happily exclaimed.

" YA znayu, ma. YA vsegda budu zdes' (I know, ma. I will always be here.) "  Amnon sincerely smiled and requoted on what she had said from the magic mirror. Then, he pointed to his chest. " YA doma. YA bol'she ne uydu. (I'm home. I'm not going away anymore.) "

Karola wept for joy and hugged her eldest son as he gently hugged her back. Glenda, Pierre, Marie, Monika, and Ilyana felt pleased to see the mother and son reunion. Then, she looked intently at his right hand and curiously asked, " Chto sluchilos' s tvoyey pravoy rukoy? (What happened to your right hand?) "

Amnon deeply thought of what he could respond to his mother. He remembered what the Shuffler did to him back in Aulia and didn't want to complicate his answer since his mother is an Alzheimer's disease patient. He wanted to simplify his answer for her to comprehend.

" Chto-to poshlo ne tak na rabote, tak kak ya popal v avariyu. Potom drug na rabote dal mne snachala derevyannuyu ruku. Eto khorosho, no mne nuzhno chto-to poluchshe. Zatem vrach vrode menya dal mne metallicheskuyu ruku. (Something went wrong at work as I got an accident. Then, a friend at work gave me a wooden hand at first. It's good, but I need something better. Then, a doctor like me gave me a metallic hand.) " he explained and showed the new right hand to her.

" V sleduyushchiy raz tebe luchshe byt' ostorozhnym, moy dorogoy mal'chik. Obeshchay ne prichinyat' vreda. Khorosho? (You'd better be careful next time, my dear boy. Promise not to get harmed. Okay?) "  she said with concern and held his new right hand.

" Da, ma, ya budu. (Yes, ma. I will.) "  Amnon nodded at his mother and looked at everyone. " Dinner is served everyone. Bon Appétit! "

[Moments Later]

After the Montmartre family had conversed, eaten their meal, and washed the dishes, they were heading to their bedrooms. Amnon and Glenda changed into their sleeping clothes, and lied on the bed. Glenda leaned on her husband's chest and sincerely looked at him. Amnon gently pecked his wife's cheeks and forehead.

" I know you have been in different countries before. Tell me, did you sleep well? " she asked and embraced him.

Amnon gently stroke his wife's locks and brushed them, recalling his missions back in Odyssea Academy. He replied, " I slept well, but it wasn't enough. "

" Why did you say so? "

" It's different when a lovely better half like you sleeps beside me, " he sincerely smiled. " I exchanged the final dangerous Beirunese mission into a peaceful and productive convalescent life. "

" So, you're comparing your resignation from Odyssea Academy employment to a patient's complete recovery period? "

" In a way, yes. I'm looking forward the days ahead with you, Emie, and the rest of our family, " he nodded. " Same question. "

" Yes, since a pregnant woman needs 6 to 8 hours of sleep for herself and the child, but it's not that easy in sleeping alone on our bed. I will agree on your answer. No sleep can be well and complete without a loving spouse beside me. "

" We did have in common when we were physically separated for eight to nine months. Our sacrifices have ended. There are lot of things we both missed and needed to catch up. "

" It's time to live in convalescence together, " she smiled and kissed. " I love you, Amnon. "

" I love you too, Glenda. "