Lyndon remained motionless, watching until the car disappeared from view. Only then did he avert his eyes and make his way to his own vehicle.

Standing there, his tall stature cut a solitary figure against the vast emptiness.

He settled into the driver's seat, enveloping himself in silence.

Moments later, he retrieved a wallet from his pocket and took out a photo.

Captured within it was a lanky youth in his late teens, standing beside a small, enchanting girl with a luminous grin.