At two in the afternoon, the house was empty.

The warm afternoon sun filtered through the half-transparent blue curtains, illuminating the living room. Everything at home was so familiar, yet it felt incredibly strange due to the overwhelming solitude.

Mother was probably still at the hospital taking care of Father, and my sister was still at school.

During this period, Gao Yang had become the pillar of the family. Even if he didn't return home at night or lost contact for two or three days, Mother, though worried, would no longer get angry. She only reminded him not to fall behind in his studies, especially with the College Entrance Examination looming.