Some time passed. Charlene finally looked away from the fading figures and began scrolling through her phone while slowly snacking. Just then, a young man approached her. "Hi, I was wondering if I could get your number?"


    Charlene looked up. "Sorry, I don''t think that''s a good idea."


    He hesitated. "Is it because you already have a boyfriend?"


    Charlene didn''t want to borate. She frowned, about to shut him down again when Thorne and Jasmine returned.


    "Mom!" Jasmine cried out happily, running to her.


    "Hi, sweetie," Charlene replied.


    The young man saw Jasmine throw her arms around Charlene and then nced at Thorne, whose striking features andmanding presence made it obvious he was no ordinary person. Moreover, the resemnce between him and Jasmine was undeniable.


    Understanding dawned on his face. "My apologies," he stammered before quickly walking away.


    "Mom, who was that man?" Jasmine asked, confused.


    "Just a stranger," Charlene said.


    "Oh."


    Thorne observed the exchange without a word. After putting away the kite, he asked, "Beef stew for dinner?" The question was clearly directed at Charlene.


    "That''s fine," she replied coolly.


    The ingredients had all been


    prepped for them, so cooking wasn''t much of a hassle. During the meal Thorne took care of Jasmine''s needs. Jasmine loved potatoes, and after taking a bite, she urged Charlene, "Mom, these potatoes are delicious! You have to try some."


    Before Charlene could respond, Thorne had already served a portion into her bowl.


    "...Thank you."


    "You''re wee."


    Throughout the meal, Thorne


    continued to casually ce food on her te. It seemed so natural that Charlene didn''t refuse again. Most of the food Theme and yasmine Rad brought were her and Jasmines favorites, and the ingredients were top-quality. Honestly, it was a very good meal.


    After they finished eating, Thorne continued to look after


    Jasmine washing her hands, taking her to the restroom and patiently identifying bugs and nts that caught her interest. Charlene only needed to help asionally, so it wasn''t tiring at all. She and Thorne, however, barely spoke.


    Around two in the afternoon, Jasmine grew tired and quickly fell asleep. Thorne carried her into the tent.


    After tucking her in, he looked up at Charlene, who was standing just outside. "Aren''t you going to get some rest?" Before she could answer, he added, "You should take a nap."


    He then left the tent, giving her the space, and settled into a chair under the sun umbre.


    Charlene stood there for a moment, looking at him. As he met her gaze, he spoke before she could. "You should stay with her. If you leave and she wakes up alone, she''ll be upset."


    Charlene paused. He had guessed what she was thinking without her saying a word.


    Just then, Jasmine murmured in her sleep, "Mommy..."


    Charlene froze. A momentter, Jasmine''s eyes fluttered open. She was still half- asleep, but she saw her mother and sleepily reached out her arms. "Mommy, stay with me."