Mark's response remained unspoken, shrouded in silence.

He placed Edwin on his lap, retrieved a candy from his pocket, and presented it to him.

Edwin placed the candy in his mouth but continued to gaze at Mark expectantly.

Mark too yearned for staying, to bask in the joy of making his son happy. But he needed to depart, a multitude of matters requiring his attention at the base.

His internal struggle did not evade Waylen's notice.