"Daddy, look, there''s a little rabbit over there," Evelyn suddenly whispered, pointing at the grass.


    Ian followed her gaze and saw a wild rabbit nibbling on the grass. He gestured for his daughter to be quiet and gently picked her up, stepping closer.


    Nestled in her father''s arms, Evelyn quietly watched the rabbit eat until it hopped away. "Daddy, I want to go hiking again next time," she said, still full of excitement. "Alright. When I have time, I''ll bring you hiking again,"n replied with a warm smile.


    They continued toward the summit. The higher they climbed, the steeper the trail became. Eleanor''s stamina couldn''t keep up with her daughter''s, so she and Gavin fell behind whilen stayed with Evelyn.


    "Evelyn has amazing energy!" Gavin remarked.


    "Always has been," Eleanor managed between breaths, a proud smile touching her lips. "She''s always been like that."


    When they finally reached the top, Eleanor was so tired she found a rock and sat down. Evelyn was ying in the grass nearby, with Gavin keeping an eye on her.


    Eleanor looked at the view of the blue sky and white clouds and shook her head.


    But her fair cheeks were flushed with a healthy pink from the exercise, and tiny beads of sweat dotted her forehead. Ian instinctively took the handkerchief he''d used for his daughter from his pocket and gently dabbed at her forehead. The gesture startled them both.


    Eleanor frowned and looked up, her eyes filled with a distinct coldness. "You don''t have to. Thanks."


    "Sorry,"n said in a low voice, putting the handkerchief back in his pocket.


    "Evelyn had a great time today. Thank you for arranging this," Eleanor said, looking out at the distant scenery.


    "It''s what I should do,"n replied in


    a deep voice before getting up and walking over to where Gavin was spreading out a pic nket. H? began cing the food they d Brought on it, with Evelyn happily helping.


    Eleanor joined them shortly after, taking out the fruit and snacks she had packed in her bag to share.


    During the pic, Evelyn was a little


    ray of sunshine, her innocent chatter making everyoneugh. Eleanor''s


    attention was mostly on her


    daughter, though she asionally stared into the distance, lost in thought.


    Whenever she drifted off, a pair of eyes from beside her would rest on her, filled with deep, hidden emotions and an unspoken sentiment.


    "Daddy, this sandwich is so yummy," Evelyn said, holding it up to his mouth. "Have a bite."


    "Mommy, what are you looking at?" Evelyn asked, curiously leaning in front of Eleanor.


    Eleanor realized she had zoned out and smiled. "I was just looking at the clouds."n knew she wasn''t looking at the clouds. She was thinking about someone.


    On the way down the mountain, Evelyn got tired halfway and ended up onn''s


    back. By the time they reached the car, she was fast asleep.


    About ten minutester, the car took a sharp turn, and Eleanor''s head tilted sideways,nding with a soft thud onn''s shoulder.


    The unexpected contact made him freeze for a few seconds before a gentle smile touched his eyes. He subtly adjusted his posture to let her lean morefortably.


    While waiting at a long red light,n looked down at the sleeping face on his shoulder.


    For a second there, Eleanor let her guard downpletely. She looked so peaceful, it reminded me of the past.


    He remembered waking up in the morning and finding her nestled in his arms,zy and content like a child. If he stared at her for too long, she would yfully cover his eyes and grumble, "Don''t look."