Den''s eyes were bloodshot. He hadn''t been home muchtely. He didn''t want Pam or Aileen to know what he was really doing, nor did he want the world to know of their existence. He was trying to protect them. However, Pam had suddenly fallen ill.


    "Mom, why didn''t you tell me you were sick?" he asked.


    Pam smiled weakly. "Den, I wasn''t in pain. Hailey took good care of me and made sure the best medicine was used. I didn''t want to be a burden to you. I just wanted you to live a happy and peaceful life. If your father were still here, that''s what he would have wanted too."


    Pam didn''t want Den to follow in his father''s footsteps, so she had always tried to guide him away from that path.


    Den clutched her hand tightly. "Don''t worry, Mom. This time, things will be different."


    Pam''s tears slid down her cheeks. "My darlings..."


    Hailey and Aileen stepped forward, each taking one of Pam''s hands.


    Pam ced their hands together and softly said, "I''m leaving now. Don''t be sad. I''m just going to see your father. All these years, I''ve been here with you while he''s been alone over there. He must miss me very much."


    Hailey broke down in tears.


    Pam turned to Den. "Den, I''m leaving Aileen in your care. She''s your sister, so you must take good care of her."


    Then, she added, "Hailey''s a wonderful girl. Having her by your side is a blessing. Treasure her."


    Den choked up. "I will, Mom."


    Pam smiled faintly. "I''ve lived a happy life. I had your father in my youth, and then I had you two. Life is never perfect, but sometimes, a little bit of happiness is enough."


    With those final words, she slowly closed her eyes and passed away peacefully.


    There were many things Pam never had the chance to say, such as her regrets about her husband and her longing to watch her children grow. Yet, time had run out. She was gone.


    Den and Aileen broke down in tears, calling out for their mother.


    Later, Hailey found Den standing alone in the dimly lit hospital corridor. He leaned against the wall with his ck sweater clinging to his frame, making him appear thinner than usual.


    He lowered his head in silence, letting the darkness consume him.


    Lis


    Hailey approached him quietly. "Den, I''ve ensured everything i handled for Mrs. Zamora. If you need to go, I understand. I''ll stay here and take care of Aileen."


    Den straightened up, his eyes bloodshot from exhaustion and grief. He knew


    he had to leave. Ste was likely already looking for him.


    At this moment, he couldn''t even stay by his mother''s side.


    If not for Hailey, he might not have made it in time to see her onest time.


    The weight of life''s burdens had fallen on him early, leaving him with no choice but to push forward. The more it pushed him down, the more hatred burned within him.


    He would have his revenge.


    Den looked at Hailey. "Thank you, Hailey. For everything."


    There was so much to say, yet he didn''t know where to start. All he knew was gratitude.


    He was thankful that Hailey hade into his life and had stayed with him through the toughest times.


    Hailey stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.


    "You don''t have to thank me, Den," she whispered. "If you want to cry, just cry. I know how much this hurts."


    He tried to hold back his tears, but the warmth of Hailey''s embrace and thefort of her gentle words made it impossible.