Cameras flashed and clicked throughout the growing crowd. The conference started for a major breakthrough in archaeological finds. Thousands of years of history uncovered by a team of six lead by the most accomplished archaeologist of this era. Photos flicked by on the projector, highlighting findings during the expedition as well as all the previous accolades awarded to the archaeologists. Each finding explained with increased intrigue from the audience.

"Dr Eric Romane, now that you found the tomb of the second Emperor Illais. Do you have plans for the next expedition?" the press inquired.

Dr Romane leaned forward into the microphone, his curly red hair sliding into his face. Brushing his hair behind his ears, he answered, "We have leads for the next expedition; however, we cannot release too many specifics. We don't want to notify the competition. I will say that the information we have gathered indicates we may be able to find something only described in folklore." 

"What might you find from this folklore?" The press furiously scribbled down notes. Gasps of intrigue spread throughout the crowd.

"A much-debated treasure that locals argue about its existence. Some say it is only a story meant for children," Dr. Romane teased the press. The tomb of the 2nd Emperor Illais was his third crucial discovery in his fifteen years of archaeology. The Fame he had gained from his discoveries had long gotten to his head. 

“When do you think you will start the next expedition? Are your families supportive of you doing all these expeditions?”

"The team is planning to leave tomorrow. Once the team gets in the country, Eric personally wants to interview locals. Any additional information can make a big difference in how the expedition proceeds. Secondly, I want to formally announce my retirement. My husband and I have decided that we are ready to settle down and start a family together." The robust woman on Dr. Romane's right answered. She paused for a moment to steady herself through teary eyes, "I would like to thank my team for all the great times. I want to especially show my gratitude to Eric for helping expand my growth in the field.” She picked up a small, adorned box and slid it across the table to Dr Romane.

“Thank you. It has been a pleasure working with you all these years. It will not be the same without you,” Eric replied, opening the box which contained the eye of Horus. Eric curated pieces for his own museum from both his expeditions and auctions. He spun around the box for the audience to see. They briefly hugged, thanking each other before sitting back down.

“What about your family, Dr. Romane? You have young children, don’t you?” the press insisted.

“My family have always supported my career and I plan to go on as many expeditions as I can.” Eric affirmed. He was wilfully ignorant of the strain his career had on his family. His wife Maria had tried many times to talk about his career path, but had been brushed off each time before she could get him to listen to any of her concerns.

Maria sat at the back of the crowd with their two young kids, Terri and Simon. She pursed her lips, holding in the pain from his words so that their children would not see. She wondered why Eric never considered their family’s future like she had. He was a good father when he was around, but with the length of each expedition increasing, the children became more and more distant. She worried he was giving up the relationships with them for his career.

The conference came to a close, and Maria was determined to make Eric see what he was sacrificing for his career. As the crowd dispersed from the venue, Maria made her way up to the stage with the kids. Members of the panel chatted amongst themselves about the upcoming expedition and gave their farewells to the retiring team member.

“I hear you’re expecting, Shayla. Congratulations, that’s so exciting.” Maria said as she slotted beside Eric.

“Thanks, we couldn't be more excited! You must find it hard with Eric being away all the time.” Shayla cheerfully responded.

“I won’t lie, it does get hard, and I worry about him all the time. I’m thankful for the kids for keeping me grounded,” Maria smiled and hugged the shoulders of the kids.

"Mum, I'm hungry." Simon pulled at Maria's shirt, looking up with big green eyes.

"Eric, are you ready to go?" Maria turned to Eric.

"Yes, let's go." Eric gestured to the door. "I'll see you all tomorrow at location. Have a good evening, everyone." Eric’s teamed waved him off.

Together they headed out to dinner at a quaint family diner. Once settled into a booth, Maria spoke, “It has only been a few months since you’ve been back, and you are already going on an expedition. When are you going to start thinking about your children first?”

“What do you mean? The money I earn from expeditions is providing a very comfortable life. Is it not?” Eric seemed annoyed at the sudden accusation. It has always been his dream to be an accomplished archaeologist who goes on exhilarating adventures; in comparison to his home life, he always had a niggling thought that it was a life too mundane for him.

“I’m not here to argue about money. We appreciate the support, but some things are more important than money. The kids hardly see you. They are at that age now where they need a father’s influence,” Maria said exasperatedly. Terri and Simon stopped colouring in pictures provided by the diner, sensing conflict between their parents. Maria noticed and slowly let out a deep breath before calmly resuming, “The kids need you. Don’t you think it's about time you considered being more present in their lives? I worry that you are sacrificing a relationship with them for your career.”

“I do want to be a part of their lives, but I’m at the peak of my career. It’s what I’ve dreamed of doing all my life. I can’t just give it up like that.” Cracks in Eric’s composure were beginning to show. Even with him being away from Terri and Simon for long stretches, not once did they leave his thoughts.

“Will this be your last expedition?”

Eric couldn’t look directly at Maria. He remained silent unable to give an answer that would satisfy her.

“Then make a deal with me. If this isn’t going to be your last expedition, take me and the kids with you; if not, then fine, we’ll stay put. If you can, without a shadow of a doubt, safely take the us with you. I will no longer object to any future expedition.” Maria’s eyes searched Eric’s face, pleading with him to see reason.