Chapter 32: I Have an Idea

Under the setting sun, the neatly trimmed lawn was dyed a dim yellow, a pair of shoes covered with mud, and Tony, his face weary, sat on the steps in front of his house, holding a cigarette, his gaze blankly fixed on the family mailbox by the street.

His girlfriend, Ashley, sat beside him, gently resting her head on Tony's shoulder, taking his arm and making Tony hold her in his embrace.

This was the sight that Tommy Hawk, having finished his part-time job at the dock, returned to after being away from home for two months. Although the scene was bathed in warm tones, the expressions of the two didn't capture the warmth and romance that should have been present; instead, there was a hint of sorrow.

"What's happened?" Tommy Hawk's heart tightened slightly, and he asked instinctively.