In a raspy voice, he responded, “It was not a nice sight. I feared you would never forget seeing her like that."

Rena slipped into a trance-like state.

With eyes partially closed, she whispered, “Waylen, you are cruel beyond measure. She is your own flesh and blood. How could you... allow her to...?"

The words to describe Alexis' fate were too painful for Rena to utter.

Rena placed the soil she cradled onto the tomb.

Then, mechanically, she began to heap the earth upon the grave. Sharp stones mingled within the soil, lacerating her hands, yet she paid them no mind.

Her actions were devoid of conscious thought.

“Alexis, I will bring you blankets.

Will they give you warmth?

Alexis, I never had the chance to Love and pamper you properly.

Alexis, before your arrival, I imagined your countenance countless times, yet none were as radiant as you.

Good night, my sweetest Little one.

Mommy is here..."

The sky cloaked itself in darkness.

The final sliver of light withdrew from the heavens, shrouding the world in obscurity.

Waylen stooped down and scooped Rena into his arms.

“Let us return.”

However, as he cradled her, he realized she had succumbed to unconsciousness, her body unnaturally feverish...

Back at the ward, Rena lay tranquilly upon the bed, her body attended to by Waylen's gentle ministrations.

In a hushed tone, he whispered into her ear, longing for her awakening.

Yet, she remained unwilling to rouse from her slumber. The doctor affirmed that the weight of her emotional turmoil had rendered her subconsciously resistant to acceptance, thus prolonging her sleep.

Juliette and Cecilia stood by her side.