Shalma Hughes looked at the man standing before her. His hair had turned entirely silver, and the eyes that had been so bright and full of life three years ago now seemed to have lost their luster, clouded with unshed tears. Seeing how much older Mr. Archer—who had always doted on her—had become, an inexplicable ache gripped her heart. "Mr. Archer, how have you been these past three years?" she asked softly.
Mr. Archer, dressed in a navy blue long robe, hastily raised his sleeve to wipe his eyes. He nodded repeatedly. "Good... good... To be able to see you again in my lifetime, Little Miss, I am completely content."
