Jack took the twins in his arms, shaken. One of them placed their little hand on his cheek — a gesture he used to make as a child in old photos.

— Their names are Noah and Liam, Lisa said in a trembling voice.

An announcement echoed: “Last call for flight Paris–New York.” Jack glanced at the gate, then at Lisa.

He tore up his ticket.
— I’m not leaving. This time, no one will steal my family.

Lisa broke into tears. Around them, the crowd continued to pass by, indifferent — but for Jack, time had stopped.

He no longer needed planes or hotels. Everything he had searched for his whole life was asleep right there, in his arms.