Raphael remained silent, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

Eventually, he responded in a hushed tone, “Yes, you're right. They're not coming back. You'll stay with us now."

Brantley rested his chin on his knees, lost in thought.

He was young and didn't fully comprehend the concept of loss, but he had a vague sense that he had lost his dearest loved ones.

Once Raphael had left with Brantley, Elissa finally roused herself from bed.

Early rising was her usual habit.

Intentionally, she lingered in bed that morning to avoid the boy. His staying with them had been a lapse of judgment, and now she grappled with how to engage with him.

She still held onto some resentment towards him.

She couldn't shake the thought that her mother's death was the child's doing. Yet, she acknowledged the irrationality of her resentment. Her father bore the blame, not the innocent child of his affair. She imagined Brantley, too, would shun his unfortunate heritage if given the choice.

After freshening up and having breakfast, Elissa set about tidying the apartment.

She meticulously cleaned the living room and her own quarters before tentatively venturing into Brantley's domain.

Brantley had already tidied his room meticulously.

The floor gleamed, and the bed was impeccably made. As Elissa sat on the bed, her hand brushed against the pillow, discovering its dampness. A closer look revealed it was thoroughly soaked.

A myriad of emotions surged within Elissa.

She sat quietly for a long time before taking the pillow outside to dry and removing the pillowcase to wash it. Before Brantley came back from school, she placed the pillow back in its original spot, ensuring no one would notice it had been cleaned.

In the afternoon, Raphael went to get Brantley from school.

Together, they ventured to the grocery store, procuring vegetables, meat, and fruit. Brantley, mindful of their circumstances, eschewed costly imported fruits he was used to, opting for budget-friendly apples.

Raphael purchased two coconuts, deftly inserting a straw into one and offering it to Brantley.

Brantley tentatively sipped the coconut water, finding it surprisingly delightful.

He held Raphael's hand tightly, but deep down, he wished Elissa would one day hold his hand like that too. The bond of blood made him feel that no matter how good Raphael was, he couldn't replace the closeness he felt toward Elissa.

When they got home, Raphael noticed some snacks and a set of toys for children on the small dining table. They looked quite expensive.

He knew Elissa had been very frugal since they had come down in the world and wouldn't normally buy such things.

Raphael glanced at Brantley and remarked, "These must be from Elissa. Why don't you go thank her?"

Brantley was taken aback. “Are these really for me?"