Chapter 322

Aaron's eyes welled up with tears, but he didn't respond to Matthew. Instead, he gently tugged at Willow's sleeve. "Mom, let's go home." Deep down, he yearned for his Uncle Matthew to hold him once more, but the man standing before him was no longer the warm, caring figure he remembered. He didn't want his mom to worry any longer. "Alright, Aaron, let's go home." Willow felt grateful and handed the laptop back to Eric before turning to Ian. "Mr. Nightingale, thanks for the laptop. Your jacket's still at my place. I'll bring it down later." "No need," Ian replied, though he wanted to offer to go up himself. He paused briefly before adding, "Willow, I'll swing by another day to grab it. Take care." Feeling genuinely exhausted and in considerable pain from her ankle, Willow was relieved not to have to climb back up to deliver Ian's jacket. She nodded politely to him before taking Aaron's hand and slowly making their way back into the apartment complex. As they crossed through the g