Mark continued, “I heard that after the divorce, he couldn’t drift along any longer in Braseovell. Now he works as a producer in the country. He definitely has a motive. However, I’ll remain cautious in my investigation.”
Waylen nodded in acknowledgment.
The two sat in quiet companionship, sharing the soothing warmth of the tea.
After a lengthy pause, Waylen placed a medical record on the table.
Mark picked it up and examined it with growing astonishment. He stared at Waylen, shocked by what he had discovered.
Waylen offered a faint, helpless smile. “Each day, | find myself remembering Rena less and less. Sometimes | can’t even seem to remember Alexis when | look at her…”
In response, Mark lit another cigarette.
Suddenly, Waylen stood up and gently knelt before Mark.
The burning cigarette nearly singed Mark’s fingers as he hurried to assist Waylen up. “What are you doing? A man shouldn’t kneel so easily. Don’t put me in such an awkward position.”
Waylen remained there, resolute in his decision not to rise. In a deep, hoarse voice, he conveyed his concerns. “My father’s age advances, and one day he will pass away. While Rena is capable, she remains a fragile woman, burdened with the responsibility of caring for our two children. Uncle Mark, | implore you to lend them more support in the future. Not only Rena and the children but also Cecilia… | hope you can assist them with crucial matters at home.”
Mark found the words hard to bear and, with a frown, he replied, “Waylen, you can’t just entrust the entire family to me. Oh… If, heaven forbid, you lose your memory, what will happen to Rena and the kids?” ©
A shadow crossed Waylen’s eyes.
He offered a helpless and bitter smile. “| constantly urge Rena not to give up on me, to remember and search for me. But, who can predict the future? |… | merely want her to continue living with hope. The loss of hope would be a wretched fate indeed.”
Moreover, Rena had previously experienced postpartum depression.
Now, she carried another pregnancy.
Waylen could only do his utmost to care for his wife and children while his memory allowed him to remember them.
Upon hearing this, Mark’s heart sank deeper.
He finished his cigarette in silence and gently patted Waylen’s shoulder. “! promise you.”
Mark’s voice quivered as he continued, “Don’t be gone for too long. Remember to return promptly. Rena and the kids are eagerly awaiting you. We… We’re waiting for you too.”
Waylen smiled with a far-off look in his eyes.
After a while, Mark stood up and walked out. To his surprise, he encountered Cecilia on the stairs.
Cecilia carried a tray of dishes, their aroma tantalizing.