I simply hugged her without saying anything."I want to change my last name too!" Finn sidled up to us, his mouth still shiny with grease."Okay, everyone's changing," I said with a laugh, holding them both tighter.After dinner, Lyra went to take a bath, while I tidied up the place. Just then, the communication crystal chimed. It was Kael."Elara, Lyra's birthday is coming up. Can I see her?"I thought for a moment, then said, "Let me ask her."When Lyra came out of the bath, I passed on the message. She toweled her hair, not answering right away."Mom, what do you think? Should I go?""It's up to you."She thought for a long time before finally saying, "I'll go. There are some things I need to say to him too."On the day of Lyra's birthday, Kael had reserved a table at a restaurant near the border.By the time we arrived, he was already there. He had lost a lot of weight, and though he wore a ceremonial robe, it hung loosely on him.He stood up and said, "Happy birthday,
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