Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief at her mother's response.

She held Alexis close. Since their return from Merblune, Evelyn had taken to sleeping in Alexis' room. Sometimes, in the dead of night, Alexis would wake to find Evelyn watching her quietly.

Alexis believed Evelyn's presence had hastened her recovery from the trauma.

Outside, fireworks lit up the sky, casting a warm glow in the wintry night.

Despite the cold, Alexis felt snug and content in the room.

Evelyn then eagerly descended the stairs to join her little brother and friends for some fun.

Alexis opted to stay in her room, watching the fireworks quietly from the French window.

Childhood memories flooded back to her.

“Leonel, this one's perfect. Let's put it up first."

“But we have to be sneaky. Can't let my dad catch us."

"Leonel, Look at this..."

With her slender finger, Alexis etched a name onto the glass-Cordelia Fowler.

She had this feeling that it was a girl, and if it really was, this would be the baby's name!

Her phone rang out of the blue. Initially, Alexis ignored it, but the persistent ringing drew her closer. She approached and saw an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen.

Suspecting it might be Leonel, she opted not to answer.

Moments later, a text message popped up. "Happy New Year, Alexis."

After a brief pause, Alexis deleted it. Returning to the French window, she spotted Leonel standing in the yard. He was in black, and something about him immediately caught her eye.

In the distance, she watched as Leonel bent down to light the fireworks.

It had always been Alexis' favorite childhood activity. As the fireworks burst into the night sky, Leonel turned to look at Alexis in silence.

They were from far from each other now.