chapter1043
Thalassa, Evelyn, and the four children all got into the car.
"Mom, I'm so hot! Can we please get some ice creams?" little Elowen tugged at Thalassa sleeve, her
plea melting into the stifling air of the car. The child's eyes, wide and hopeful, were enough to soften
the hardest of hearts.
The temperature in Weston Country soared even higher than back home. Stepping off the plane had
been like walking into an oven. Despite the cool refuge of the car, the muggy weather made it hard to
breathe, leaving everyone parched and restless.
"I want ice cream too, Mom. It's too hot," whispered Sophia, her eyes gazing imploringly at Thalassa.
"Mom, me too! I want two ice creams!" pouted Dorian.
Even little Atticus, who had been quiet, piped up, "Mom, it's so hot, and I need an ice-cold drink."
Thalassa's heart ached as she looked at the children. It was one in the morning, and although the kids
had dozed a bit on the flight, the heat of Weston County was merciless.
Lack of rest combined with the heat could lead to heatstroke, and she knew all too well that children
were more vulnerable than adults. Heatstroke wasn't like a common cold; it could be life-threatening.
Turning to Callum, who sat in the passenger seat, she voiced her concern, "May I stop somewhere with
a shop to pick up some frozen treats to cool the kids down?"
The van had plenty of room, with Thalassa and Elowen in the middle row, Callum in the front beside the
driver, who was focusing on the road. But even with space to spare, the air felt thick and heavy.
“Yeah, Mr. Gordon. Let’s get them some popsicles before we head on. The kids are too small. They
can’t endure like us adults.” Evelyn said. She put her hands on Dorian’s face, which was reddened and
almost fevering. She was also worried about the children.
"Up ahead there's a convenience store. We can stop there. My apologies for the rush; I didn't prepare
as well as I could have." Callum said, aware of the potential danger for the children. He couldn’t risk
their lives just to get a few minutes quicker.
He felt guilty for not anticipating every need, given the urgency of their departure.
The plan to help Thalassa escape had been thrown together hastily. Callum had managed to map out
the escape route and handle the major details, but some of the smaller ones, like the children's
comfort, had slipped through the cracks.
"Mr. Gordon, you've done enough for us already. We're more than grateful." Evelyn said, her voice
laden with sincerity.
Her gratitude stemmed deep. Without his help, she and Thalassa wouldn't have been able to make
such a smooth getaway with the kids.
They wouldn't have even made it out of Starhaven, let alone the country.
Traveling required ID checks and ticket purchases. The moment they booked tickets, Lysander would
have been alerted to their whereabouts and tracked them down. This was why Thalassa had endured
and stayed by Lysander's side, unable to leave with her children.
"No need to be formal, Evelyn." Callum replied, his voice gentle.
The minivan pulled up in front of a quaint little grocery store.
Thalassa and Evelyn ushered the kids inside.
As soon as they entered, the four little ones scampered towards the freezer section, their tiny legs
carrying them as fast as they could go. They were too short to see over the edge of the freezer, so they
stood on tiptoes and peered eagerly at the ice cream selection.
"Let Mama help you." Thalassa said, making her way over and opening the freezer door for her eager
children.