Chapter 97 BELIEF

The evening sun cast long shadows across the room as Luke stood in the doorway, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder. Hana sat on the couch, her hands folded in her lap, watching him with a mixture of apprehension and sadness in her eyes. "I'll be back before you know it," Luke said, trying to sound reassuring as he crossed the room to kneel before her. Hana forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I know," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Luke reached out and took her hands in his, his touch warm and comforting. "I hate leaving you alone," he admitted, his voice heavy with regret. "But this mission is important. It's the last one, I promise." Hana nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I understand," she said, her voice catching in her throat. "I just wish…" "I know," Luke interrupted, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I wish things were different too." They held each other for a long moment, drawing strength from one another