Macey's house was packed. A wooden bed sat in the center, Macey lying peacefully upon it. The woman who had once so warmly comforted Felicia now lay still, eyes closed, a serene expression on her face. The image of her giving Felicia a crumpled hundred-dollar bill, pieced back together, with the words, "Take it and pay for your tuition. A hardworking child like you shouldn't be let down," flashed through Felicia's mind.

Macey had seen Felicia, hungry but still washing clothes. She'd produced warm boiled eggs and two sandwiches from her pocket, whispering, "Eat these quickly and quietly so the others don't see." Felicia remembered the look of pity, the accompanying sigh, "Poor child." And the smile, full of kindness, as Macey patted her head, saying, "Licia, you're the best girl in the world!" Even the day before, Macey had asked someone to catch small fish, saying, "You little glutton, wait for me. I will fry you some fish filets."

Felicia's throat tightened. The breeze felt cold. A basket of freshly cleaned small fish sat on the stove, ready to be fried, but it would remain untouched.

She slowly approached the bed and gazed at Macey's face. The villagers had already prepared her, changing her clothes and hair, making her appear as if merely asleep.

Felicia turned to Romeo, who sighed. "Licia, don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. We kept your disappearance quiet. Macey knew nothing. We told her you were simply missing, that everyone was searching."

"She was napping peacefully, and then... she never woke. Her health had always been frail. She often spoke of this day coming. She suffered from heart problems and couldn't shake the guilt from something that happened years ago. Over time, despite appearances, her body had deteriorated."

Macey had two daughters and a grandson, all lost in a car accident over a decade earlier, on their way back to Alverton. Since then, guilt and regret had weighed heavily upon her.

Felicia had heard these stories, but now regretted not saying more to Macey before leaving. She'd only briefly greeted her before departing for Hillfort, never imagining it would be their last meeting. If she had known, she would have offered more comfort.

She lowered her head, a deep ache in her heart. Romeo gently patted her shoulder. "Licia, try to take it easy. Birth, aging, sickness, and death are all part of life. And Macey found contentment in these years with your care. Besides, look at her peaceful, smiling face—she surely didn't want you to be sad."

She nodded, understanding his words, yet her tears flowed freely.

The village handled Macey's funeral arrangements, Romeo overseeing everything. He was her only remaining family. The villagers, kind and warm, had arranged a night vigil. Everything proceeded smoothly. Being over fifty, Romeo possessed a more relaxed perspective. Seeing Felicia's pallor, he asked Aya Hardin to take her home.

"Licia, it's too noisy here. Go back with Aya and rest. Get some sleep, alright?"

Felicia left with them. As she exited the courtyard, a small white puppy ran to her feet, circling and whining. "Cloud?"