"Brother... I finally... finally see you again..." Struggling to suppress the choking pain that constricted my throat like a vice, I managed to finish my sentence. My voice was hoarse, a mere rasp. I couldn't tell whether I was crying or laughing. My face felt hot and wet, and my emotions were a tangled mess—joy, sorrow, relief at finally seeing him, yet fear that he might not be able to stand against Rui Jones. The dread that this might be our last meeting gnawed at my insides, and an even greater dread that we might both perish loomed large.
"Good girl! Margie, everything will be fine, trust me, we'll both be fine!" He took a deep, shuddering breath, his broad chest heaving. His eyes were wide, rimmed with red, as he held back the tears threatening to fall. His hands, strong and calloused, gently cupped my face. "I swear, I'll never leave you again!"
