Old friends
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Perched atop a mountaintop, a quaint little house overlooked a picturesque sea village below. From its vantage point, one could observe the bustling marina at the foot of the slope, where numerous fishing boats gently bobbed in the water. The view was serene, but beneath the calm surface, tension simmered.
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Mathis carefully parked his sleek, silver car outside the charming house and knocked on the door, his heart racing with a mix of relief and urgency. Footsteps echoed through the door, which swung open to reveal Are Sandberge. The tall, weathered figure exuded authority and wisdom, his face etched with the deep lines of a life well-lived. His striking swath of gray hair, with a subtle tuft at the temple, crowned his head. His stern gaze softened as he saw Mathis, revealing a visage marked by battles and triumphs. Despite the faint scar peeking out from beneath a rugged eye patch, a warm, genuine smile graced his features. Are wore somber denim trousers and a deep forest-green sweater, exuding an air of strength and resilience.
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"Come in, my old friend," Are said, his voice carrying a mix of familiarity and gravity.
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Mathis stepped inside, waves of nostalgia washing over him as he took in the cozy interior. The walls were adorned with military service photographs from various corners of the globe, a testament to Are's storied career. The windows framed a tranquil sea view, and the modest sofa, along with the small kitchen visible in the background, gave the space a sense of homely comfort.
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Eva and her daughter, weary from their ordeal, settled onto the snug couch, seeking a semblance of normalcy in their temporary refuge. Mathis and Are moved to the small dining table, where Mathis's expression shifted from urgency to somber determination.
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"What do you need help with, Mathis? Have you gotten yourself into trouble again? I remember that time..." Are's voice trailed off as he registered the seriousness of the situation.
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Mathis looked at him, a touch of disappointment in his eyes as Are fell silent. "Can you take care of Eva and her daughter? Get them out of the country without registration? Deliver them to Safe House Number Nine?"
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Are's expression turned grave, his gaze hardening with the weight of the request. He had known Mathis long enough to understand that this was no ordinary favor.
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"I see. Can't you get them through conventional channels?" Are asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern. "You wouldn't be here otherwise. I can help. Is there anything else?"
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Mathis exhaled deeply, relief washing over him as he absorbed Are's response. He glanced at Eva and her daughter again, managing a faint smile. "I don't need anything else. Just ask Eva if she needs anything. Once they're safe, please message me to confirm."
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"Don't worry, old friend. I'll take care of it," Are assured him, his smile masking the tension underlying the situation.
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Mathis rose and approached Eva. She embraced him tightly, her gratitude palpable. She kissed his cheek and met his gaze with a blend of hope and weariness. "Thank you for saving us. How can I ever repay you?" she asked, her voice trembling.
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Mathis stroked her hair and offered a comforting smile. "It was nothing. Just listen to what Are tells you. He'll get you out safely; you can trust him. I must go now."
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He left the house and got into the car, taking one last look at the refuge he had secured before driving off into the uncertain night.
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The elderly gentleman turned to Eva and her daughter as the sound of the car faded into the distance. He offered them a warm, reassuring smile before momentarily retreating from sight. Moments later, he reappeared, kneeling next to the little girl.
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"Here, young lady, take these crayons and sit at the table," Are said gently.
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The little girl's face brightened as she eagerly took the crayons, settling at the table to draw. Eva nodded reassuringly, signaling to her daughter that everything was fine. The small act of kindness helped ease the tension, if only for a moment.
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Eva looked at Are, curiosity and weariness mingling in her eyes. "Who are you? How do you know Mathis?"
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Are stood at a small, circular bar, pouring a generous amount of brandy into a glass. He paused, glancing at Eva to see if she might want a drink.
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"No thanks," she said, her tone more relaxed but still guarded.
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Are sat beside her on the sofa, his demeanor reflective. "My name is Are Sandberge. I was once a colonel in the military and trained Mathis Kristensen. He served under me before becoming the leader of a specialized squad. I came to this place seeking inner peace and to atone for my past mistakes. How did you end up here?"
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Eva leaned back, her features softening. After a moment of hesitation, she reached for the glass. "I think I'll take that drink after all," she said, her voice betraying her exhaustion.
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Are handed her the glass, and Eva began recounting the series of harrowing events that had led them to this refuge. As she spoke, Are listened with empathy and concern, understanding the weight of her words. The house, once a place of serene isolation, now became a haven of shared understanding and solidarity.
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Are's thoughts swirled between past regrets and present resolve. Protecting Eva and her daughter wasn't just about fulfilling a promise to Mathis; it was also a chance for redemption. As Eva's story unfolded, the old house seemed to embrace them, becoming a sanctuary where the past and present intertwined, offering fragile hope and emerging trust.
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