South Blue, Baterilla Island.
The last rays of sunset fell over the quiet island town, gilding the white eaves of a little house away from the town center.
Not far away, waves gently lapped against the shore, their soothing murmur seeming to comfort everything on this land.
Roger sat on the steps outside the house, gazing tenderly inside.
Rouge had her back to him as she bustled about the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune.
The spatula in her hand turned the ingredients, and their aroma filled the house.
Light freckles dotted her face, and her eyes curved into crescents when she smiled.
"Just a little longer, Roger. Dinner's almost ready!" Rouge turned and winked at him.
"And no sneaking any more drinks while you wait!"
"Haha." Roger grinned and nodded. "All right. I wouldn't dream of drinking."
Yesterday, Rouge had told him she was pregnant.
At that moment, something had seemed to slam into Roger's heart, filling him with both joy and complicated feelings.
He had never imagined that after a lifetime of wandering, he would find a "home" in his final days.
Yet this happiness was like sand slipping through his fingers-the tighter he held it, the faster it escaped.
"Cough... cough, cough!" Suddenly, a violent coughing fit rose from deep in his throat.
Roger clapped a hand over his mouth, his body trembling uncontrollably.
He felt warmth against his palm. Looking down, he saw glaring crimson seeping between his fingers.
"Roger?!" Hearing the noise from the kitchen, Rouge hurriedly put down her spatula and rushed to his side, her eyes full of worry. "Are you all right? Maybe we should have you checked after all!"
"I'm fine!" Roger quickly hid his hand behind his back, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve, and