Emerging from the bathroom, Mark discovered Cecilia seated at the head of the bed, sobbing quietly.

Standing by the bathroom door, Mark observed Cecilia in silence.

It was already late at night.

Beneath the subdued lighting, her profile appeared gentle, her tears crystal clear.

He could easily read what was on her mind. She was concerned about him.

Mark stared at her for a long while, yet she remained immersed in her own thoughts.

He approached her, gently retrieved the medicine bottle from her grasp, and softly explained, “These were prescribed when I was discharged from the hospital. Some of the medications aren't readily available in the country. I don't take all of these daily. Just one or two types occasionally."

Cecilia met his gaze.

Tears still streamed on her cheeks.

Mark cradled her in his embrace, guiding her face to rest against his chest as he tenderly caressed her cheek.

Cecilia slowly wrapped her arms around his waist.

Her fingers trembled.

In a raspy voice, Mark asked, “Are you worried about me?"

She remained enveloped in his arms, then, with a quivering voice, she confessed, "Mark, I was terribly frightened back then."

That was all she uttered.

She felt too self-conscious to articulate anything more.

She had cherished her love for him through countless years, yet she couldn't be as carefree as she once was in her youth.

Mark tenderly stroked her hair.

He didn't push her. He simply held her in his arms like that.

Perhaps it was only at that moment, as they cautiously drew nearer to each other, that they truly found solace.