"Great... great..."
Tears cascaded down Christina's fair cheeks, gathering into a crystal droplet at her jaw, before falling onto the hem of her pale blue dress, staining it with a darkened wet spot.
Her lips quivered slightly as she tried to muster a smile, but the tears flowed uncontrollably, growing more numerous.
"As long as she's alive, solitude can't defeat me."
Christina pressed it close to her cheek, her smile bittersweet in the shimmer of her tears, yet filled with boundless consolation and emotion.
"Rocky, thank you."
Christina murmured to herself, her tone filled with relief.
She closed her eyes, her lashes still adorned with droplets.
"..."
Lanci's gaze quivered, and he pursed his lips, looking away.
"I'm off to work."
He emphasized once more, then quickly left the room.
Watching Christina's mix of sorrow and joy, his heart was a turmoil of emotions.