Nicole's cheeks warmed. Though younger, Roscoe's flirtations often caught her off guard. She didn't feel much Like the older sister in these moments. It seemed she had truly found the right person...

Clinging to him, she whispered, “If you get tired, I'll get down.”

"I won't get tired!" Roscoe spoke with a voice full of strength and clarity, showing no signs of weariness. "Nicky, I'm overjoyed. You're here with me, and we'll soon live with Austin. Thank you for making my dreams come true..."

Nicole felt a warmth in her heart. Roscoe's actions and words had constantly reassured her that she was not a burden to him. In his view, she was his dream, his future, his everything...

For someone often shadowed by pessimism, meeting someone as bright and hopeful as Roscoe felt like finding a life raft in a frozen abyss. One would be determined to hold on tightly.

As Nicole rested her head on his shoulder, the tears that fell from her eyes were still warm. Meeting Roscoe was the most fortunate event of her life.

“Nicky, can you promise me something?" Roscoe suddenly asked.

"What is it?"

“Whatever happens in the future, never lose hope. Remember, you have me and Austin. We are men, and it's our duty to protect you for a lifetime!"

Nicole was silent for a moment. Since moving to this small mountain village, she hadn't thought about death anymore. She saw every new day as a gift of hope and often prayed for more time to spend with Austin and Roscoe...

She couldn't even think about what might happen if she weren't around.

The mere idea ripped at her heart, filling her with fear and sorrow, making her cling to life even more desperately and dread the thought of death.

She understood why Roscoe would pray occasionally. Sometimes, the only thing one could do was pray for divine mercy.

Nicole whispered, “I promise you, no matter what, I'll keep going.”

Roscoe was finally relieved. His main concern had always been Nicole's mental state, fearing that any unexpected event might break her spirit.

Nicole's cheek rested against his shoulder, feeling his warmth Like a small sun. She spoke. "Please promise me to take care of yourself. Don't be reckless, and learn when to bow your head, okay?"

Remembering past experiences caused her heart to tremble. A kind soul Like Roscoe shouldn't be destroyed by his own stubbornness.

"I promise. We'll both make the most of our lives, watch Austin grow, see him get married and have kids."

"Good."

The snow-covered landscape stretched endlessly ahead, and a crack formed in the otherwise clear sky above.