The long war took its toll on everyone, including the Leon family. Chris, who had been receiving treatment for terminal breast cancer, tragically passed away during the war. Supply chain disruptions caused critical medical supplies to be rationed, and since Chris was terminally ill with little hope of recovery, she was sacrificed to prioritize those who had a better chance of survival.

Chee was devastated by Chris' passing. Despite their strained and rocky relationship, he realized just how much he loved her when she was gone. The house felt emptier, and her absence was a constant reminder of the love he had taken for granted. He regretted not spending more time with her, wishing he had shown her the appreciation she deserved while she was still alive. The pain of losing Chris made him reflect on his own life and the choices he had made.

With Chris' death, Chee came to value his time with his family more. He sought comfort in the presence of his children and grandchildren, finding solace in their laughter and love. Chee made a conscious effort to be more involved in their lives, attending family gatherings, and sharing stories about Chris. He embraced every opportunity to create new memories with his loved ones, hoping to make up for the time he had lost with Chris.

As he adjusted to life without Chris, Chee found strength in his family and faith. He began to cherish the simple moments, like watching Teddy play in the garden or listening to Phobos excitedly talk about her latest crafting project. These moments brought him a sense of peace and reminded him of the importance of love and connection.

However, the loss of Chris continued to weigh heavily on Chee. He often found himself sitting by her grave, talking to her as if she were still there.

"I miss you, Chris," Chee would say, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I've realized how much you meant to me, but it's too late. I wish I could have shown you more love and appreciation."

Chee's journey of grief and reflection led him to make significant changes in his life. He quit smoking, a habit he had struggled with for years, determined to honor Chris' memory by taking better care of himself. While the damage to his health was already done, Chee was committed to making the most of the time he had left. His family supported him every step of the way, providing the love and encouragement he needed to move forward.

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Unfortunately, Chee was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after Chris' death due to his heavy smoking habit. Determined to turn his life around, Chee quit smoking, but the damage was already done. Fortunately, his diagnosis came much earlier than Chris', and he was in a much better state than she had been during her battle with cancer.

Chris had left behind a will, allocating her assets among her loved ones. She willed her cash savings to her grandchildren – Phobos, Teddy, Clarence, Jacob, and Ben, whom she also considered one of her grandchildren. The semi-detached house, which was under Chris' name, was willed to Arun and Benny with the provision that while Chee remained alive, he would stay in the house, and it could not be sold. Her share of the rental apartment was transferred to Benny, making him the sole owner of the property.

While there was some resentment regarding the way Chris had allocated her assets, the family bonds remained strong, and they managed to maintain harmony. They understood that Chris had done her best to provide for everyone and respected her wishes.

As life went on, Phobos decided to travel to MeiKok to pursue a degree in Artificing. MeiKok was still considered the most advanced in this field, and Phobos was determined to hone her craft and become a great artificer. The family supported her decision, knowing that she had the potential to achieve great things.

Clarence had graduated from seminary and taken up a role as a curate in a small church. He was passionate about leading the youth of the church and providing simple prayers of healing for the congregation. Clarence's dedication to his faith and his community was inspiring, and he quickly became a beloved figure in the church.

Ben, on the other hand, had decided to pursue a career in marketing. He started working as a marketing intern at a small health foods distributor, eager to learn the ropes and make a name for himself in the industry. Ben's enthusiasm and determination made him a valuable asset to the company, and he hoped to climb the ranks and achieve his goals.

Meanwhile, Yilake, which had previously been a theocracy, had elected its first president in the first democratically held presidential election. This milestone marked the beginning of Yilake's journey towards democracy. However, the remnants of the terrorist organization were still firmly entrenched in the population, causing ongoing strife and instability.

As the world slowly returned to normalcy after the war, simmering tensions began to surface. Returning veterans faced challenges reintegrating into society, and rising unemployment, especially among the youth, exacerbated the situation. Growing inflation and the ever-widening wealth gap further fueled discontent, potentially sparking even more unrest.

Despite the challenges, the Leon family continued to support each other and navigate the complexities of their changing world. They held onto hope and resilience, knowing that together, they could face whatever the future had in store.