Edwin stared at the snow, his eyes clouded with sadness.

"Is he still alive?" he asked softly.

Waylen's voice caught in his throat as he replied, "Yes, he is still alive."

Edwin murmured, "Why didn't he come back to see me and my mom?

Sometimes, mom cries at night."

Waylen pressed a gentle kiss to Edwin's head.

He then said, “Grow up quickly, Edwin. Be there for your mom when she needs someone to rely on."

Edwin nodded, his young face determined despite the sadness in his eyes.

Waylen continued, "What would you like as your New Year's gift?"

Edwin contemplated for a while before uttering softly, "Can you call me ‘silly boy'?"

Waylen felt his eyes welling up.

He was usually composed and rarely displayed vulnerability, yet now, he found himself unable to hold back the tears.

"Silly boy."

A faint smile curved Edwin's lips, carrying a subtle determination within it.

Edwin followed Waylen back to the hall. Despite the liveliness around them, an unspoken agreement hung heavy in the air, and nobody dared to mention that certain man...

Outside, the snow continued to drift down softly. Waylen and Rena decided to stay overnight.

Rena tossed and turned, her mind restless and sleep eluding her.

Over the past four months, she had made six trips to Rouemn.

Mark's condition was deteriorating rapidly.

Rena had never disclosed the full extent of it to the Fowler family, and even in front of Waylen, she rarely discussed Mark's condition.