Halsey raised her hand and knocked on the door with soft taps.


    The door opened quickly, but it wasn''t Dwight who greeted her-it was a girl.


    The girl looked at Halsey with curiosity. "Are you looking for someone?"


    Halsey guessed this must be Dwight''s younger sister, Madeline Garner, since she was wearing a middle school uniform.


    Madeline was slightly thin, but she had a neat, high ponytail and a pair of bright, lively eyes that sparkled with energy. There was something about her that resembled Dwight, a certain spark that was hard to miss.


    Halsey immediately liked Madeline. She smiled warmly. "Hi, I''m Halsey, Dwight''s friend from school. I came to see him. Is he home?"


    Madeline shook her head. "He isn''t."


    It was already sote, and he still hadn''te back.


    At that moment, Dwight''s mother, Tina Garner, stepped out. "Are you a


    schoolmate of Dwight''s? Come on in and have a seat."


    Halsey looked at Tina. Tina''s eyes werepletely blind, and her hair had turned mostly white. Despite this, Tina had a kind and gentle demeanor, speaking with a warmth that hinted she must have been a beauty in her younger


    years.


    Halsey stepped inside. "Hello, Mrs. Garner."


    Tina greeted her with a bright smile. "Come on in, dear. Dwight will be back soon."


    Though the house was small, it was neat and clean. Halsey noticed a water bottle on the windowsill with a few gardenias floating inside. In this dark, damp, and stormy alley, this little home felt like a bright, weing oasis.


    As Halsey was taking in her surroundings, the door suddenly creaked open, and Dwight walked in.


    Standing at the door, Dwight''s height was imposing-at 6''2", he looked like a guardian statue. Today, he wore all ck, his sharp jawline and buzzcut giving him a rugged, cool look that immediately caught Halsey''s eye.


    Tina smiled with joy. "Dwight, you''re back! Someone from your school is here to see you."


    Dwight had sensed someone''s presence when he entered earlier. His cold, sharp ck eyes scanned Halsey with at piercing intensity.


    Halsey quickly stood up, understanding now why some of the girls were both terrified and drawn to him. "Hi, Dwight. I''m Halsey. You saved mest night. Do you remember? I came to return your jacket and to thank you in person.”


    Dwight gave her a nce, his expression still as cold as ever. He then looked at the expensive gifts she had brought. "You done talking? If you are, take your stuff and leave."


    Halsey was taken aback.


    He was so distant, so unapproachable.


    Tina immediately interjected, "Dwight, why are you being so rude? Dear, don''t mind him. Dwight''s like that-he doesn''t usually get along well with girls. It''s dinnertime now, so why don''t you stay and have dinner with us?"


    Halsey looked at Dwight. He didn''t get along well with girls? She couldn''t imagine that being true-he was far too


    popr.


    Madeline chirped, "Dwight, I like Halsey. Let her stay for dinner."


    Dwight looked at Madeline, his cold eyes softening slightly. He reached over and ruffled Madeline''s hair. "Are you hungry? I''ll make your favorite, braised ribs."


    Halsey noticed that Dwight was holding a bag of groceries, and he was surprised to learn he could actually cook.


    He didn''t acknowledge her anymore and simply walked into the kitchen.


    Tina offered, "Dwight, let me cook. You rest."


    "Mom, you go rest," Dwight replied.


    Halsey stood outside the kitchen, watching Dwight as he worked. His long hands expertly wielded a spat, stirring the food in the pan. Through his thin T-shirt, she could see the lines of his strong, muscr arms. He was so sharp and graceful, his movements powerful but fluid.