After lunch, the soldiers departed to the temporary quarters that had been arranged for them within the cottage grounds. The long days of travel and the recent operation had clearly taken their toll, and they were eager to rest.
The children, too, had exhausted themselves after playing under the sun for most of the day. One by one, they returned to their rooms, their energy finally spent.
Roman, however, wandered into his parents' bedroom before anyone noticed.
By the time Eilika and Damian entered the room, they found him already asleep—right in the middle of the bed. His small body was curled comfortably across the mattress, his soft toy tucked under one arm.
Damian stepped closer.
"I'll move him—"
"No," Eilika said quickly, stopping him.
"Let him sleep here."
