Several hours had passed, and before long, it was time for Damon's guests to leave.
The living area, once heavy with tension, now carried a lighter atmosphere. Conversations had softened, and the earlier unease had gradually faded into something more tolerable. The group gathered near the center of the room, exchanging farewells as the visit came to an end.
"Jacob, let's meet again," Clyde said warmly, offering him a sincere smile.
Jacob returned the gesture with a gentle nod, his expression noticeably softer than it had been earlier. "I'd like that," he replied. "I'm really glad I got to meet all of you."
There was honesty in his voice.
Despite everything they had shared—their painful stories, their quiet confessions—there was comfort in their presence. In such a short amount of time, they had formed a connection that felt unexpectedly natural, as if familiarity had come far too easily between them.
Not far from them, Damon stood in silence.
His gaze remained fixed on Jacob.
