"It's good to have you back, it's good to have you back..." Earl Hardy embraced his daughter tightly, his voice choked with emotion. He gently patted Vivian's back, repeating the phrase over and over. Heaven knows how much he worried about his daughter who had ventured to the mysterious West Coast over these years.
Earl Hardy had never been to the West Coast, but during the time he worked with Grace, he had gained some understanding of the dangers in the wizard world.
He knew it was no paradise, but a place full of dangers.
Moments later, Earl Hardy lifted his head, his gaze passing over Vivian's shoulder to fall upon Duke, who stood quietly nearby with a gentle smile on his face.
His eyes grew exceptionally complex, containing relief, emotion, and an indescribable astonishment.
Earl Hardy had long understood Duke's situation through Vivian's letters.
