The tranquility of the evening washed over them like a soft blanket, soothing yet unable to erase the scars etched into their lives. These scars were more than mere marks; they were poignant reminders of the trials and tribulations they had faced together.

Elias's most prominent scar was on his left hand, where a pinkie finger once graced his grip. The rough bandages had long since been removed, revealing smooth, tender skin that contrasted starkly with his calloused fingertips. He never made ...