Ray's vision blurred.
The moment he read the first line, his heart seized.
"Dad… Mom!"
He suddenly turned and ran, as if he could chase them back.
The next instant, he slammed into Gilbert's chest, solid like iron.
Gilbert grabbed his shoulders firmly. "They're safe. They just need to be away for a while. Ray, you must stand strong."
Tears poured down Ray's face.
For my sake… all of this was for my sake.
His parents had left, taken on danger, and sacrificed their peace to support him.
Three months of suppressed longing exploded at once. Clutching the letter tightly, Ray finally broke down, sobbing uncontrollably in the workshop.
Gilbert simply kept his hands on Ray's shoulders and said nothing more. Right now, no advice was needed. Letting the boy cry it out was the best thing he could do.
After a long while, Ray's sobs gradually quieted. He lifted the letter again and read it once more.
