Night fell over Hope Island... 0

Holding a square glass of whiskey in his hand, Charles stood on the balcony of the Governor's Mansion. His sight was on the sea waters that had seemed to encroach farther inland since the last time he saw it.0

Sleep eluded him as his mind was consumed by thoughts of the mother and child he had encountered earlier today. Charles turned around to see his daughter seated on the bed and engrossed in her book.0

Sparkle never seemed to need sleep. Every night, she would read until dawn.0

Just then, vines adorned with black leaves climbed up the balcony and coiled around the ledge. Bandages scaled the vines and stepped onto the balcony.0

"Captain… you… are hesitating…?"0

Charles took a brief glance at Bandages before retrieving a glass...0