Chapter 27:

Her nose was sore, and the tears that had stopped returned.

"If you want to cry, then cry, Sis," he said, his fingertips brushing her eyes.

The word "sis" unlocked the pain and sorrow she'd been suppressing. Overwhelmed, Grace let out a sharp wail and wept. She hadn't cried so bitterly in a long time. She'd long ago realized that weeping was useless; she had only herself to rely on. Those tears were worthless.

Hearing him call her "sis" reminded her of her mother and the brother she'd carried but lost. If her mother and brother were alive, would she be less lonely? Would she have a real family?

Grace's crying surprised Jason. He'd been distressed by her silent weeping, but now he was overwhelmed, helpless. As she sobbed, he froze, every nerve seemingly paralyzed. He'd never felt so helpless, not even when his mother left or his father froze to death in the snow. Facing her tears, he felt both ice and fire. He wished to ease her pain, but his body remained stiff.

She then buried her face in his arms, continuing to cry. Her tears soaked through his shirt, seeming to penetrate his very being. Her salty tears mingled with his blood, reaching his heart.

After a while, Jason gently hugged her. If she was miserable, she could cry, but only with him. He didn't want others to see her in such a fragile state. His desire for her deepened.

When the car arrived at the Reed Residence, the driver exited respectfully, but Jason remained seated, holding her. No one knew how long she cried, but eventually she fell asleep. Tears covered her face; her eyes were red and swollen. Her hands were wrapped in white gauze. She looked pitiful.

A phone rang—Grace's phone. Jason saw the name "Lina Sweeney" on the screen, frowned slightly, and answered.

"Hello, Grace? Why aren't you home? Working late?" Lina Sweeney asked.

"She doesn't live there anymore, and she's asleep. Call back tomorrow," Jason replied softly, careful not to wake her.