“Mom, I’m alright,” Howard answered, his tone calm and even, a voice once full of warmth and now dulled by years of istion.


    “That’s good!” ine nodded, her eyes glistening with tears as she looked around the vi.


    Everything was impably maintained, clean, and spacious.


    Despite being alone and refusing anyone’s help, Howard had managed to keep the house in perfect order.


    He was still the bright and gentle young man she remembered, unchanged by the passing years.


    If only that fire had never happened…


    The thought clung to ine’s mind like a dark cloud, and fresh tears welled up in her eyes.


    Madisyn, from the moment she saw Howard, pieced together the silent story his appearance told.


    His skin, in various stages of peeling and damage, told a story of intense pain and suffering.


    Even his feet appeared to bear the scars of whatever had happened to him.


    “Madisyn.


    ”


    Howard’s voice gently pulled her from her thoughts.


    He noticed her thoughtful gaze, but saw no fear-onlypassion.


    As Howard looked at his sister’s delicate, yet determined face, emotions he’d long kept buried began to stir.


    Here she was, his sister, finally standing before him after so many years apart.


    “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to wee you when you first returned,”


    Howard said, his voiceced with regret.


    “But I’ve been thinking of you.


    I have something for you.novelbin


    ”


    With a slightly trembling hand, he offered her a small gift box.


    Madisyn felt a surge of emotion as she took it, deeply moved by the gesture.


    Howard had withdrawn from the world, yet his heart remained full of kindness.


    He had never forgotten those he loved.


    Madisyn couldn’t help but think how truly kind-hearted her brother was.


    “Thank you, Howard,” she said, her voice warm.


    She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small pouch.


    “I brought you a little something too.


    ”


    Howard epted the pouch and opened it, revealing many small pills inside.


    “What are these?” he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.


    “They’re meant to help you regain some strength.


    Just take three a day,” Madisyn said, her smile warm and reassuring.


    Howard stared at the small pills, doubtful that something so insignificant could make any difference.


    He couldn’t help but wonder if Madisyn had been misled into buying them.


    Yet, he didn’t want to dampen her spirits.


    “Thanks, Madisyn.


    I’ll take them,” he replied, his tone gentle despite his skepticism.


    “Howard, you chat with Madisyn here.


    I’ll see what we have in the fridge and rustle up Lunch.


    ” Not waiting for a response, ine hurried toward the kitchen, fearing Howard might refuse her offer if she lingered.


    Since the incident, Howard had retreated into his own small world, managing everything by himself.