In the vast hall, the sobbing Lily lay quietly in Charles's arms. "Mr. Charles… you knew all along that I didn't have much time left, didn't you?"
Charles took Lily's pale little hand in his palm, turning it over and over, his heart writhing in agony.
"Actually... that day, it was me who asked Linda to examine you. Bandaid once said that rituals like that have never ended well. I was terrified the one who came back wouldn't be the real you. Luckily, it was you who returned. But unluckily, it was also you who returned."
Lily bit her lip hard, tears streaming down her face once more. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to stay by your side a little longer."
"It's all right, it's all right." Charles gently nestled Lily's small head against his neck.
"However many days you have left, I'll be with you for every single one," Charles said, slowly closing his eyes.
"Sister Linda said I have two days left. That's right around the time we're supposed to set sail."
