During his return to the city, Ray had several meetings planned. One of them was with old Joe.
Entering the old man's shop, Ray greeted him:
"Hey, old man. We haven't seen each other in a while, and you're still just as old."
"Glad to see you, squirt, but your sense of humor has clearly degraded," Joe replied.
"Maybe you're right. Or maybe I'm just trying to save face for you — out of respect for your age," Ray parried jokingly.
Even his mechanical voice seemed capable of conveying mood.
"You never used to have such impulses before."
"People change with the years, and I'm no exception. How's your health?"
"Don't worry, it's not so bad. I'm just tired. Honestly, I'm planning to sell the shop and move to the countryside. Maybe raise some livestock."
"My wife and I — work was always our top priority. That's what we bonded over — understanding each other perfectly, we dedicated ourselves to science. We thought we'd always have time to have children. But at some point, we got so carried away with work that we lost track of time. When we both came to, it turned out it was already too late. I'll regret it until the end of my days," Joe added bitterly.
"You could still dedicate yourself to children, if that's what you wish."
"An old geezer like me wouldn't be allowed to adopt a child, and, to be frank, I don't think I could handle it."
"I'm not talking about that. You could get a job at a school or a shelter. With your knowledge, it wouldn't be a problem."
"You're right... But anyway, enough about me. How's your little sister doing?"
"Everything's good. She's very much like her mother."
"That's good to hear. None of us ever saw her father. It's entirely possible he could've been a scumbag. I understand why you moved to another country — you don't want your history weighing on her. But you do realize that there's the internet now, and one day she'll find out everything, right?"
"You're right. But to delay that as long as possible, I changed our surname. I know it will happen one day, but I want her to be ready for it."
"How's Mikie, Frank and Jill, and the prince?"
"Old Mikie is still holding on, but he likely won't last long. Frank and Jill are doing well. Their boys are training at Mikie's gym. As far as I know, Tyler is working hard. I never would have thought that flighty slacker would become a prosecutor."
"So you never patched things up with Violetta?"
"No. Honestly, I never even tried. The truth is, even if she found it in herself to forgive me, I don't think I deserve it. I hired private detectives; they keep an eye on her. Knowing she's safe is all I need."
"She visits us sometimes. Judging by everything, she really is doing well. But I still think you two should meet and talk."
"Maybe on the day I find myself on my deathbed, I'll talk to her. But right now, I simply don't know what to say to her."
After chatting with his old friend, Ray headed to Frank and Jill's. Opening the door, Jill hugged him in a friendly way, and Frank shook his hand firmly — it was clear they were both sincerely glad to see him. Seating the men at the table, Jill began bustling about in the kitchen.
"The idea that we should have a child truly turned out to be the right one. We're very grateful for that," Jill said sincerely.
"Rocky and Apollo will be very glad to see you," Frank added.
"You were very original in your choice of names, weren't you?" Ray remarked jokingly.
"I've done a lot of crap in my life, but my old man was a decent person. He grew up on that film. It's a small thing, but I'd like to make him happy in some way. I'll hope he likes it."
"How's Deya? Are you planning on coming back?" asked Jill.
"I've thought about it. It's possible, but not anytime soon. I don't want my tragedy to affect that little one's life. I'll definitely return to this city when she starts school. Maybe sooner, but it's unlikely."
The rest of the conversation took place in a very warm atmosphere, though the memories of the past were seasoned with a light sadness for lost time.
When the children returned, they dragged Ray into the yard to work out together. Ever since Ray had started training, his favorite piece of equipment had become the pull-up bar. Given his build, it was very difficult, but he still managed to master most exercises — from outwardly simple yet technically complex ones, to easier yet spectacular moves.
So it was no surprise that Frank's boys looked at him with admiration as he smoothly and confidently performed elements on the bar.
This was one of the reasons Deya had such a good attitude toward training — she had practically watched Ray and Yuno train together since birth.