Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Alyssa sighed deeply, "You don't need to say anything, Agnes. I don't blame you. In fact, you never had to make any promises to me. It's just my own selfishness that made me feel like you've messed up my sons' lives. But it's not something you can control. You've done your best; it's them who can't let go."

Agnes was taken aback by Alyssa's words. She was momentarily at a loss for words.

Sitting beside Agnes, Alyssa took her hand gently. "Agnes, sometimes it's better not to overthink things. Let nature take its course. After everything we've been through, I've come to terms with it. Kids will live their own lives, and even if one day my boys turn against each other, it's out of our hands. It's not like keeping you away from them will prevent it. The issue isn't you; it's them. In the end, they're both so much like me," Alyssa confessed with a wry smile.

Her sons had indeed inherited her own obstinacy, which frightened her; she always feared they'd tread the same rocky path she had. But there was this thing called Murphy's Law: the things you fear the most are the ones that are most likely to happen.

"Live your life the way you want to," Alyssa continued. "I won't interfere, and don't worry about Tim. If you truly want to be with Ryder, don't care about what others think."

Agnes was stunned. What had Ryder said to Alyssa to cause such a change of heart?

"I suppose you're wondering why my attitude toward you has changed so swiftly," Alyssa said, reading her mind.

Agnes just looked at her, waiting.

"The truth is, Ryder was right. Deep down, I've always favored Jared because he is the child I had with the man I loved. I've felt guilty because Jared grew up without a father, never even meeting his biological dad, and was judged harshly because of it."

Agnes sighed heavily, understanding all too well. It was apparent, even to an outsider, that Alyssa held Jared in a different regard than Ryder.

"But when I learned that Ryder risked his life to go to Bronzetown Borough after you injured your hand, I realized that his love for you was no less than Jared's. He was right; I never tried to see things from his perspective. I never truly understood what he wants, his longing. As a mother, I've failed. Now, the only thing I can do is stop meddling in their lives."

Agnes wanted to say something, but in the end, she couldn't find the strength. Over time, it was clear to everyone what she and Ryder meant to each other. As for Ryder's own obsession...

Agnes didn't know what to do. She decided to follow Alyssa's advice, to just be friends, like they were back in Manhattan.

Agnes had been at the Thomas Group Hospital for two weeks. Two weeks later, Ryder was discharged, and they returned together to Willowbrook Town.

During those two weeks, Agnes met all sorts of people. Even Cilian came to visit Ryder. But since their separation, Agnes hadn't seen Jared again.

Ryder's hand would take a long time to heal, immobilized in a brace, but he seemed to have adapted to life with one hand.

Agnes' vacation was almost over.

She extended her leave by a few days, and she wanted to visit Nocturne one last time.