Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 354

Beneath the snow-capped mountains,

Two figures in thick winter coats stood on the endless stone steps, their shapes blurred by swirling flurries.

Mila wore a striking crimson coat, while Archie was dressed in bright yellow. Both had swapped out their old clothes for new, heavier coats and pulled wool hats over their ears before renting a car and making the long drive out here.

After a restful journey, they were full of energy.

"Let's go," Archie said, bounding up the first step with a confident, infectious grin.

Mila smiled back. "Alright, let's do it."

Though it was April, snow still fell on these highlands where winter never truly ended. Bathed in flying snow, their shoulders dusted with white, they climbed the steps together.

At the summit, beyond the long staircase, stood a church.

Mila hadn't chosen one of the many chapels scattered throughout Solaris City. Instead, she'd set her heart on this secluded church, hidden deep within the mountains.

She'd wanted to come here from the very first moment she saw it.

At the start, the two laughed and chatted about funny stories from their journey. As they climbed higher, their words grew fewer, the wind biting at any exposed skin and draining their warmth. Thankfully, the car ride up the mountain had spared them altitude sickness, but the cold was another matter.

They soon fell into silence, saving their breath and strength for the climb.

a while, Archie glanced up. Far above, the church's gilded steeple

shining through the storm. He stopped mid-step, momentarily

at him in

why I insisted on coming with you?” He gazed up at the church,

Of course she remembered.

to see the story end well, for Red Hat the robot to survive and finally reach the

started to respond, but Archie cut her off gently.

mischief gone from his face. His eyes were bright, reflecting the golden sunlight, alive

said, "promise me you'll be happy. You have to

Mila could only stare. Then, without warning, Archie plopped down on the snowy step, facing

tired. I'm done. Not going any

with tears she wouldn't let fall.

His journey was over.

her path alone-the rest of the climb, the destination ahead, all belonged

stepped down to where Archie sat, crouched in front

her finger, gently traced something onto

deliberate lines. It

"What did you draw?"

"A symbol."

"What kind of symbol?"