Lilieth

By the time Draven and I return, the party has died down significantly.

I spot my mother, Deo, and Corey seated around one of the round tables. Corey has a glass of lemonade in front of him, which he takes a few sips of before spotting me.

"I'll head inside," Draven tells me before walking away to give us privacy.

I sit next to Deo who immediately asks me, "How is he?"

"The same," I admit.

Silence falls upon us. I make eye contact with my mother and she offers me a small smile. These ...