The Reyes residence was quiet. In the small loft beside the garden, Valerie rested her chin on her hand as she stared blankly at the colorful flowers below. She wore a simple at-home outfit, and her eyes looked completely unfocused.

Behind her, Elaine walked up with a worried look. She said gently, "Valerie, come inside and rest for a bit. You've been zoning out here for more than an hour."

Valerie did not respond as she kept staring at the garden. The garden at the Reyes residence was not lar