Dwight''s eyes were bloodshot. Despite the soft,forting words from Halsey, the hot tears continued to fall, one after another, as if they were unstoppable.


    He reached out and pulled Halsey into a tight embrace, his body shaking with silent sobs. His voice broke as he choked out, "f don''t have a mother anymore. I''m an orphan now."


    Halsey held him just as tightly, her arms wrapping around him.


    This was the first time Dwight had shown his vulnerability so openly to someone else. This was the first time he had cried in front of another person.


    Halsey nodded, her voice steady but full ofpassion. "I know. But you still have Maddy, and you still have me. I''ll be with you, always."


    She stood on her tiptoes, gently cupping Dwight''s face in her hands before pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.


    A kiss on the forehead—an act that held the highest form of tenderness and care.


    Dwight pulled her close again, holding her in his arms, needing thefort she offered.


    Dwight had to go back. It was unavoidable. The hospital had taken care of Tina''s arrangements, and Halsey, along with Madeline, had brought Tina''s ashes back home.


    Halsey ced Tina''s urn and photo in a cupboard while Madeline stood in front of it, staring at the photo.


    "Maddy," Halsey said, her voice firm yet gentle, "we''ll keep vigil here tonight. Tomorrow, you''lle home with me and stay at my ce."


    Madeline hesitated, her voice small. "No, I want to stay here."


    "No," Halsey replied, her tone unyielding. "It''s not safe for you to stay here alone. You have toe with me. This isn''t up for discussion. Please, just do as I say."


    Madeline nodded reluctantly. "Okay."


    Halsey reached out and ruffled Madeline''s hair.


    "My house has plenty of rooms. My dad and my maid, Isabel, are both wonderful people. They''ll love you, so there''s no need to be scared. It''s alreadyte, and you still have school tomorrow. The midterms areing up. Go to bed, okay? I''ll stay here and keep watch."


    Madeline shook her head, her voice soft but firm. "I want to stay and keep watch for Mom."


    Halsey didn''t argue. Instead, she grabbed a nket andy it down on the floor. "Alright. We''ll stay here together."


    "Okay."


    The two of them squeezed under the same nket, and the warmth quickly spread between them. Madeline pulled out her study materials and began reviewing them. She was determined to stay strong and brave, to live the way Tina had hoped she would.


    Halsey smiled softly, turning up the light a little.


    An hourter, Madeline had fallen asleep, her book still in her arms. Halsey carefully took it from her hands and tucked the nket around her.


    As she gazed at Tina''s photo, memories flooded back of when they had all been together-Dwight, Tina, Madeline, and herself -sitting around the table, eating andughing.


    Now, there was one less person at the table.


    A deep sadness filled Halsey''s chest Her eyes slowly closed, fatigue finally taking over.


    Suddenly, the door creaked open with a soft creak, and Halsey jolted awake. "Who''s there?"


    She saw a tall, familiar figure standing in the doorway-Dwight hade back. He had returned in the cold, quiet hours of the night.


    Halsey''s heart leaped with surprise and relief. "You''re back."


    Dwight stood in front of the urn and dedicated a prayer for Tina, then crouched down beside Halsey. As he entered the room, he caught sight of Halsey and Madeline''s small figures. Now, these were the two most important worner in his life now.


    Being here, with them, made his heart finally feel at peace.


    Dwight looked at Halsey. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, with dark circles underneath-she had stayed up all night keeping vigil.


    He reached out and gently pinched her cheek.


    "I''m back. Go to sleep now."