She rose and dressed in a coat.

The chill of early spring crept into the night, carrying with it a

Light sprinkle of rain.

She paused by the window, peering at the glow of street lamps piercing the darkness.

Cecilia lingered in that spot for quite a while.

She didn't dwell on anything. Her mind was blank. Later, she made her way to the living room.

A bronze flower-shaped frame adorned the cabinet.

The picture displayed Edwin, Mark, and her.

Edwin rested his hand on Mark's shoulder, both beaming with reserved affection.

Cecilia felt a burning sensation in her eyes.

She quickly flipped the frame face down, unable to look at it any longer.

Later, she packed up her belongings, resolving to return to Duefron with Edwin by dawn. Midday obligations awaited her at work with appointments she had pleaded to delay until then, and she couldn't afford to miss them.

Mark reached the hospital during the late hours of the night.

Laura was undergoing surgery.

Cathy, frail and anxious, lingered outside the operating room. Upon seeing Mark, she uttered with uncertainty, "Will Laura pull through?"

Mark paid no attention to Cathy.

Now, a medical supervisor approached Mark to brief him on the situation.

The medical supervisor explained that the child had developed severe pneumonia due to a cold and advised the parents to be more attentive to the child's well-being in the future.

Mark's eyes met Cathy's only after he had completed his conversation with the medical supervisor.

With an unconcerned demeanor, Mark suggested, “You could leave Laura in the care of Paul's parents. That way, you can embark on a fresh journey to build a new family."