Usually, Aldo would be fast asleep at this late hour. But he was awake, seated in the host's chair, clutching his
cane, and staring into the void.
Rowan, still in his military uniform, was seated on a side chair, two seats away from Aldo, his head bowed.
Wesley, known for his Lightheartedness, was slumped in his chair, his usually cheerful face clouded with thought.
A sense of unease gripped Loraine’s heart. It was a rare sight, seeing all of them together, ever since she had
left to marry Marco.
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As Aldo Lifted his gaze and spotted Loraine, a grin stretched across his face. With effort, he raised a hand in a
wave, still grinning. He called out, “Lorrie, cover here. We rarely get the chance to meet.”
Loraine’s presence was like a breath of fresh air, stirring life into the previously stagnant atmosphere, and the
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtthree formerly quiet men all had twinkles of delight in their eyes.
Their gaze was drenched in affection. When their eyes Landed on her, it seemed as if they were yearning for
someone else through her.
A lump formed in her throat, and Loraine nestled against Aldo’s knees, crying softly.
“Grandpa, | regret my actions. If | hadnt impulsively left earlier, our family would have had the chance to be
whole... | was away for three years. My absence caused pain to you, to Rowan, and to Wesley...”
She'd spent the last three years devoid of family companionship.
Her love for Marco was what sustained her during those sleepless nights. But, Marco, far from providing comfort,
had only caused her anguish. In the end, she was left with nothing.
Aldo gently stroked her hair with his warm, weathered hand, speaking with a raspy chuckle. “Silly girl, no need
for apologies. Ever since your parents passed away, you've been our most cherished gem.”
As the topic arose, the three men, each of a different age, appeared somber. Aldo let out a sigh and continued,
“Grandpa is growing old, and
| can’t escape the weight of your parents’ passing. I've been burdened for over a decade, but you, Rowan, and
Wesley, are still young. It’s tto find srelief.”
He turned to his only two sons. Rowan and Wesley averted their gazes, trying to conceal their tears.
“Stubborn kids... We're all stubborn. It's been over a decade. Even if it's difficult to believe, you must accept
reality. The dead are gone, and the living should not carry the weight of their absence forever.”
Loraine bit her lip, clutching the hem of her clothes.
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She knew that Aldo who said those words was the one who found it hardest to let go.
Perhaps it was because he had seen the pocket watch Loraine had found, which had stirred up emotions, or
maybe it was because of his advancing age that he felt an urgency. He didn’t want his sons and granddaughter
to remain anchored in the past Like him.
Aldo exhaled deeply, gazing at Loraine with tenderness.
“Lorrie, the anniversary of your parents’ passing is nearing. Many years have slipped by, and it’s twe Let
them rest in peace.”
Embracing Aldo tightly, Loraine whispered, “Grandpa...”
She grieved for her parents, but the larger part of her sorrow cfrom knowing how much her Loved ones
suffered on this day.