Stella blinked in surprise, as if she could hardly believe what she was hearing.

"Bryn, it's strange," she said quietly. "Back when you were hopelessly in love with Stewart, I don't think you ever truly understood him. But now that you don't love him anymore, it's almost as if... you see him more clearly than ever."

Briony paused, caught off guard by the observation.

The living room was silent except for the low, bubbling sound of the kettle boiling in the kitchen.

No one picked up the thread of conversation again.

...

Upstairs at Southcreek Manor, in the master bedroom.

After the IV drip, Stewart's condition finally stabilized, though he remained unconscious.

Dr. Cedric Clarke packed away his medical kit and stepped out of the bedroom, quietly closing the door behind him.

Waiting in the hallway were Lorna, Carl, and Carol-all three watching Cedric with anxious expressions.

he said, "but his illness is progressing much

eyes reddened. "Dr. Clarke, Mr. Wentworth is still so young. Please, there must

head, his voice heavy. "You all need to prepare yourselves. I'm afraid... he may not make it through

was late July. The kids' summer

in Northborough were brief; by the

the first hints of autumn in

likely had less than

left everyone in stunned

long, but it was obvious to her how much he loved

and Nina soon losing their father, Carol felt tears prick her

just kids-barely reunited with their dad, hardly enough time to build memories together. How could this be

her tears, Carol choked out, "Little Mario said just the other day that when winter comes,

a

to her, her tone grave. "Carol, you mustn't let Mario know how

he's going to find

extent of Stewart's illness yet not even the kids." She couldn't bring herself to say more; Stewart's sudden decline meant their time was running out faster than anyone had

Riley. I'll do whatever you say," Carol promised, not fully understanding the stakes. She assumed Stewart just didn't want Briony and the children

to Cedric. "When will Stewart wake

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