“Why are you crying?"

Leonel approached, his voice rough with emotion, as he tenderly brushed away her tears.

Alexis shook her head faintly.

Despite the gradual realization, Leonel recognized that Alexis might be grappling with postpartum depression, perhaps indicating that she had never truly overcome her struggles.

He was aware of Alexis' autism during her childhood.

Over the years, she grew from a vivacious and cheerful girl into a captivating woman, captivating him deeply.

However, beside him, she now appeared ensnared in a whirlpool of emotions, much like the sinking sun, losing all her vitality.

In Leonel's heart, Alexis had once been the beacon of sunshine, illuminating his entire world.

In this moment, Leonel experienced unprecedented pain.

Holding her tightly, he whispered repeated apologies in a husky tone, his fear of losing her once again palpable.

They engaged in lengthy discussions, and he expressed his desire to accompany her to a doctor's appointment. Alexis listened calmly.

She no longer appeared to hold any grudge against him, showing an unusual calmness.

Leading her back to the bedroom, Leonel's gaze fell upon the scattered diapers and roses near the entrance. With nonchalance, he remarked, “They slipped from my grasp."

Alexis regarded him silently, choosing not to confront his lie.

She simply stated, "I didn't plan to take my own life; I just needed some time alone."

Fall had come, and the leaves of the maple tree she had found in the backyard had turned a vibrant red. It was a tree she could easily spot, knowing it was the one she and Leonel had planted on her parents' yard, witnessing its growth together.

She longed to behold it, sensing that after parting ways with Leonel, they might face an extended separation.

She wasn't even sure their paths would cross again.

That night, Leonel found sleep elusive.

In the early hours, he sensed Alexis' eyes flutter open. Though she remained still, he discerned the silent tears streaming down her cheeks.