Stephen's POV

As the golden hues of the setting sun painted the sky, Max and I reluctantly acknowledged that it was time to leave. We had made a promise to our parents to return before dinner after our sudden departure the night before.

Eric, who seemed to have recovered well from his morning and the delightful afternoon we spent together, pleaded with us to stay a little longer. It was evident that he wanted to savor every moment with us.

"Are you sure you can't stay ...