Chapter 2015

After midnight, the Atkinson residence grew much quieter. It wasn't until early morning that Manfred returned. His exhaustion was etched into his face. A night without sleep, coupled with his injuries and the endless troubles he had faced, had drained him completely. Vivian hurried to the door to support him as he entered. "Lie down on the bed. Let me check your wounds." Manfred nodded, and with Vivian's help, he lay down on the bed. The moment he closed his eyes, his breathing evened out. It was clear he was utterly spent. Vivian carefully removed his clothes to inspect his injuries. It seemed he had changed the bandages himself the previous day, and his wounds were healing well. After quickly replacing the dressings, she gently helped him redress and covered him with a blanket. Just as she turned to rest on a nearby armchair, Manfred suddenly grabbed her hand. "Don't go, Vivian. Don't leave." Her expression softened as she stopped and looked down at him. His eyes were stil