Grandma and the Traitor

A deep furrow creased Adam's brows. What was she talking about? He hadn't changed that much. Well, he talked a bit less, but that was about it?

Unwilling to trouble her despite his confusion, he nodded. "You're worrying too much, but I promise. What's the second thing?"

She turned, revealing her quivering lips and watery eyes. She gripped her immaculate dress so hard that her knuckles whitened. "Promise me you'll return. I-I don't know if I can wait another ten years, big brother."

He approached her, his heart throbbing. True, he had suffered during those ten years, but she had too. After all, the ton of messages she had sent was enough proof of her distress and grief. 

A steely glint flashing in his eyes, he hugged her tenderly, feeling her body shake in his arms as he whispered. "I'll return no matter what. I can't promise when, but it shouldn't take more than a year."