Thea leaned over and kissed James on the forehead. She caressed his face and said with a smile, “Rest well, Honey. I’ll be back by dusk if nothing goes wrong.”

A myriad of emotions welled up in James as her soft hands caressed his face.

He remembered caring for Thea the same way when they were reunited a year ago.

Unexpectedly, it was Thea’s turn to take care of him now.

He closed his eyes and stayed silent.

Meanwhile, Thea headed out.

She picked up the hoe in the yard and walked out of the village.

James could not move, so he stayed in bed as he stared at the ceiling in a daze.

Time passed by at a glacial pace.

After some time, James gradually fell asleep.

Suddenly, a person appeared in his room.

The man looked to be in his 40s. He had a short crew cut and was dressed in baggy white clothes.

He stood beside the bed and had a troubled look on his face as he looked at James.

“I’m sorry, my boy. I don’t want to do this either, but I’ve got no other choice.

“The Spirit Turtl