The young boy wore a melancholy expression as he gazed at Celia and instinctively pulled back his hand, retreating as if he were the one being mistreated.

Celia struggled to find the right words in response, but she also couldn't bring herself to be angry at the kid.

The sight of his sadness unexpectedly stirred a desire within her to offer him comfort, a feeling that puzzled her.

A gentle, soothing voice broke through the silence from behind them, "Daniel, here you are!" ...