By the time they reached the parking area, Young Aether had heard almost every word of the conversation. He said nothing, however, his expression remaining strangely vacant as he followed Lily toward the car.
Thud!
The moment he opened the door, his legs suddenly went weak. He caught himself against the frame, his fingers tightening around the edge as he stood there for a moment, staring blankly at the ground.
"Unc?"
"N-Nothing... I just... lost something."
Young Aether forced the words out quietly. For a brief moment, he looked like a man who lost something precious.
Lily tilted her head in confusion. Her uncle had been acting strangely since yesterday, and now he seemed even more distant. She wanted to ask him what was wrong, but her father had already warned her not to question him about certain things.
"Come on, Unc. Dad is waiting."
Young Aether glanced at her hand before silently following her.
"Dad, I brought Unc Aether," Lily announced as she entered the house.
