Once again when I woke up, he effortlessly pulled me into his embrace.

He pressed my head against his shoulder, his hand resting on my waist.

He gave my waist a natural squeeze. "Redland, you haven't had a proper meal this entire month."

"You're wasting away, don't you see that?"

I remained silent, unresponsive.

This was my way of refusing to communicate.

Gregory let out a deep sigh and ruffled my hair. "Jack, Meadowmountain would be heartbroken."

"She would want you to live well."

I understood the logic perfectly.

But I truly had no appetite.

In fact, I was terrified of anything white.

It all felt like an overwhelming blizzard that could crush a person.

I missed Mother so much.

She must miss me too...

Seeing my lifeless state, Gregory grew genuinely angry.

His hands clenched tightly, trembling slightly.

His chest heaved with violent breaths.

"Amanda Cooper, listen to me."

"They're gone, but you're still alive."

"This self-destructive behavior is destroying both you and me."

"It's been forty-eight days. That's enough!"

His words struck me like a sudden revelation.

He was right. I was still alive.

Gregory was still here.

I still had Gregory.

I clung to him fiercely, as if grabbing my last lifeline.

"Gregory, I really, really miss Mother..."

Gregory held me close, his voice choked with tears.

"I miss Father too... I miss him so much..."

I wanted to wipe away his tears.

But he held me so tightly I couldn't move.

His sobs grew louder.

My back grew damp, soaked through.

I had been too selfish.

I had lost my mother, but Gregory had lost his father.

While I wallowed in despair, he had to hide his own grief while comforting me.

I gently patted his back and made a promise. "Gregory, I won't be like this anymore."

"You're right. Mother would want me to live well."

"Good." His crying gradually subsided.

He rested his forehead against my shoulder, his steady voice tinged with a nasal tone. "We'll do it together. We'll be okay."

I reached over and pulled a tissue from the box.

I handed it to Gregory.

He noticed my damp shirt and blushed crimson.

"Get some rest," he mumbled, grabbing the tissue before fleeing in embarrassment.

Watching his flustered retreat, I smiled faintly.

Gregory, we both need to live well from now on...