"Of course I do!" the man said, raising his eyes to his wife. "What's going on?"

His wife smiled, still holding the candlelit cake. "Make a wish first!"

The man stood slowly, gazing at the cake and burning candles. He shook his head. "I have no wishes. My biggest wish has already come true. I've always wished for you all to return safe and sound, for our family to be together forever!"

His wife smiled again, but their two children clamored for cake.

"All right, let's have some cake!" he said, blowing out the candles and removing them. He cut the cake into small pieces and gave them to his children.

Each child happily ate their piece while he held his wife's hand. "So, what's the story behind all this?" he asked.

"Didn't they get kidnapped? Although someone rescued them, my family was passed from one group to another. It was just a different form of captivity, all to manipulate me," he thought.

"Mr. Sullivan saved us," his wife said, pausing between each word.

"Mr. Sullivan?"

"He was the one who brought us back," she said. "He's here now."

The doctor turned and saw Edward outside the window. Had his wife not mentioned him, Edward's appearance might have startled him.

Edward, sensing the family's need for privacy, remained outside, waving a greeting when they noticed him.

The doctor frowned, looking troubled. "Did they mistreat you?" He nervously wanted to examine her for injuries. Though he hadn't noticed any when holding his children, he knew some injuries could be hidden.

His wife gently shook her head. "No, they treated us well. Our living conditions were good. I just...missed you!"

The doctor, overcome with emotion, hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry. You've suffered so much because of me. It's all my fault!"

"No, it's not your fault," his wife said gently, shaking her head. "If anyone is to blame, it's those evil people. You had no other choice. You did it for us, and we got caught up in it."

"Nonsense!" The doctor touched his wife's face. "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have been kidnapped. I'm just relieved you're safe now."

He took a deep breath and looked toward Edward. "Wait here while I go talk to him."

His wife nodded gently and rose to attend to the children.

The doctor felt a surge of relief, watching his wife and children laugh. He gazed at them one last time before heading outside to speak with Edward.