The sun was setting in the west, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.


    At the gates of Northpoint University, Eugene slung his bag over one shoulder. The soft curls of his hair caught the evening light, entuating his handsome features, which were now tinged with reluctance.


    "Sis, are you really leaving tomorrow?"


    M patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Yes, after the court hearing tomorrow, I''ll be heading to Verdelune. Who knows when I''ll be back."


    Today marked the start of Eugene''s new term at university.


    With her departure imminent and uncertain when she''d return, M decided to have a farewell dinner with Eugene.


    Given that it coincided with his first day at university, they made a detour to drop him off afterward.


    The thought of not knowing when they''d meet again weighed on M, her heart heavy with nostalgia.


    Leaving behind thend she had called home for over twenty years was no easy feat.


    And so it was with the people she cherished.


    "Don''t worry, sis."


    Seeing her sadness, Eugene quickly adopted a cheerful tone. "I''m doing great in my studies. Once Iplete the math projects and research assigned by my professor, I''ll apply for an overseas program. Then we can hang out again, and I''ll get to see you every day!"


    M''s eyes glistened as she smiled, gently patting his shoulder.


    "Then you better work hard."


    "Absolutely!"


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, M waved goodbye to Eugene, watching his figure fade into the distance. Turning around, her emotions surged, her eyes misty with unshed tears.


    Once in the car, Julian, who seemed to sense her mood, wrapped his little arms around her.


    "Mom?"


    Mposed herself, returning his hug with a smile. "Let''s go, I''ll treat you to something delicious."


    The past few days, they''d been staying at the vi near Bamboo Grove, where Julian had behaved impably, staying in his room without fuss. It was time for a well-deserved treat.


    ...


    M drove to a charming candy shop, adorned with whimsical decor.


    Holding Julian''s hand, she pushed open the door.


    The shop was bustling, but being a regr, the owner recognized her instantly. "Long time no see! The usual?"


    This candy store was known for its handcrafted sweets, a tradition spanning decades. The ingredients were pure, offering aplex yet bnced sweetness that M adored.


    Adrian loved it too.


    Adrian wasn''t much for sweets, but he made an exception for this store''s candy, which meant M frequented it often enough for the staff to remember her preferences. Just as the owner began to package her usual order, M interrupted.


    "Hold on, today it''s for this little one."


    She gently pulled Julian out from behind her, and the store owner, noticing him for the first time, smiled warmly. "What a cute child! Is he your second one? I haven''t seen you bring him before."


    Since Julian was shorter than Adrian, the owner assumed he was Adrian''s younger brother.


    M chuckled, shaking her head. "He''s a friend''s child. I''m looking after him for a few days. Julian, go on, pick something you like."


    Julian had a sweet tooth, which is why she brought him here specifically.


    In the bustling shop, he clung tightly to her hand, hesitant to let go, so M guided him through the selections.


    Soon enough, they had a sizable bag of sweets.


    Back in the car, Julian unwrapped a candy and offered it to her. "Mom, you try it first."


    "Thank you, Julian."


    M''s smile deepened as she savored the candy, the fruity sweetness melting her heart.