In the days that followed, Cloud Lake Villa was enveloped in an atmosphere of both anticipation and unease.
Mrs. Carter stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window every morning, her eyes unconsciously gazing toward the direction of the villa gates.
Her fingers unknowingly rubbed the edge of the teacup, oblivious to the fact that the tea had gone cold.
"Mom, please don't worry too much."
Emily gently held her mother-in-law's slightly trembling hand, the touch was cold, "Carlos just went through a major surgery, what he needs most now is rest."
Mrs. Carter sighed, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes were particularly noticeable in the morning light: "I know... it's just..."
"According to my estimation," Emily's voice was gentle yet firm, "it will take at least a month for him to recover to the point where he can move around."
The sycamore trees rustled outside, and a withered leaf spiraled down. Emily's gaze followed the falling leaf, but her thoughts drifted far away.
