After putting down her phone, Eleanor tried to be understanding of Mansfield''s work, but his sudden departure still felt jarring.


    She got up and walked to the window, gazing up at the sky. For some reason, her heart felt tight.


    He was still injured.


    Meanwhile, on a military aircraft flying from Ashford City toward the horizon, Mansfield took onest look at the photo on his phone. He then powered it off, heading into a battle with an uncertain oue.


    At 4:30, Eleanor shut down herputer and left to pick up her daughter from school. As she arrived at the school gates, she saw a ck Maybach already waiting there.


    "You''re here,"n said, walking over to her. He looked at her face, thinking that sometimes, not knowing the truth was a form of protection.


    "I''m taking Evelyn hiking this weekend. Want toe?"n invited.


    It had indeed been a while since Eleanor had taken her daughter outdoors. With Mansfield away on a mission and unlikely to return to Ashford City anytime soon, she could certainly make more time for her daughter.


    "Okay," Eleanor agreed. Spring was the perfect season for an outing.


    Just then, the school gates opened, andn went in first to get their daughter. When


    he came out holding her hand, Eleanor greeted them with a smile. "Evelyn, Mommy''s here to pick you up."


    Eleanor had originally nned to tell her daughter about having dinner with Mansfield today, but now, it seemed she wouldn''t have to.


    Evelyn rode home in Eleanor''s car, withn''s car following behind. He didn''t leave until he had seen them safely to their doorstep.


    Evelyn didn''t make a fuss. She was bing more independent now, not as clingy as she had been when she was three or four.


    Eleanor had just put her bag down


    when her phone rang from inside it. She was a little Surprised as she pulled it out. The name Garth Ellington appeared on the screen.


    Eleanor immediately tensed up. She quickly walked out to the balcony to answer the call. "Hello, Mr. Ellington."


    Garth''s voice on the other end sounded anxious. "Eleanor, can you tell me what Mansfield said to you when he left?"


    "He sent me a message saying he had an urgent multinational military exercise. He didn''t say anything else," Eleanor replied quickly.


    "He told you it was a military exercise?" Garth asked, his tone heavy.


    Eleanor was also worried about Mansfield''s injuries. She pleaded, "Mr. Ellington, Mansfield is still recovering. Can''t he take some time off to rest?"


    "Eleanor, there are some things I can''t say much about," Garth''s tired voice came through the line. "He went to do what he had to do. As a father I''m more worded about him than anyone. But as a soldier un proud of him."


    Eleanor suddenly had a sharp realization. She couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Ellington,


    is he... is he in danger?"


    "Every mission has its dangers," Garth replied.


    Eleanor''s heart suddenly clenched. "But he wille back safely, right?"


    Garth chuckled softly on the other end. "I believe he wille back safely."


    After the call ended, Eleanor let out a soft sigh. She opened Mansfield''s message again, read it one more time, then took a deep breath and dialed his number.


    "The number you have dialed is currently out of service. Please try againter..."


    The Al female voice made Eleanor''s heart sink. Was he really just on military exercise? Why would his phone bepletely out of service? Something felt off.  fo


    Eleanor stood on the balcony, clutching her phone. The spring evening breeze


    suddenly carried a chill, making her feel a little fragile.