[Right. We promised to travel together ever since we were kids.]

As soon as Valentin heard the word "travel," a spark of life returned to his face. Cecilia had finally found a topic that could lift her old friend's spirits. Encouraged by the thought that she was on the right track, she continued enthusiastically.

[Christopher, in fact, was invited by a friend from the Turkistan region. He suggested we all go together, and I think it would be great if you joined too. You’ve always wanted to visit those countries, haven’t you?]

Cecilia brought up Central Asia, a region Valentin …