Just as Waylen contemplated descending the stairs to search for her, the door creaked open, and Rena stepped in, the chill of the autumn night clinging to her like a whisper.

A coat, seemingly oversized, draped her figure. It was his old college baseball uniform, now transformed into a graceful ensemble on Rena. Her silhouette was captivating, particularly the delicate length of her legs, bared by the coat's generous cut.

His brow furrowed as he regarded her.

There were still two days until the anticipated event, and the weight of impending uncertainty sat heavily on his shoulders. He feared for Rena, for the unknown that might unfold.

Unable to suppress his concern, his voice took on a stern edge.

“Where have you been, Rena?"

Rena stood before him, caught off guard by his tone.

After a prolonged silence, her voice was gentle, almost a whisper.

"I spent the evening cooking a feast. Since you hadn't returned for dinner, I took it upon myself to feed the puppy downstairs."

Waylen's features remained stern, his worry refusing to dissipate.

His gaze locked onto her, his words gravelly.

"Promise me you won't wander these next two days."

With a sense of determination, Waylen retreated into his study.

He knew he needed a respite, a brief reprieve from the mounting tension. Yet, as he settled into the dimly lit room, he found that his attempts at calming his nerves were in vain. He would know in two days if he succeed or not.

Waylen was smoking quietly. Time seemed elusive in the hushed stillness. How many days had passed in this dream, and what did it translate to in reality?

His thoughts were a tempest of concern, for Rena, and for the life they had created, their third child, a daughter named Elva. ©

Waylen's frustration grew, manifesting in the ashtray overflowing with

His brow furrowed as he regarded her.

There were still two days until the anticipated event, and the weight of impending uncertainty sat heavily on his shoulders. He feared for Rena, for the unknown that might unfold.

Unable to suppress his concern, his voice took on a stern edge.

"Where have you been, Rena?"

Rena stood before him, caught off guard by his tone.