Upon seeing Lilah, Ruby's mother, teary-eyed, took Lilah's hands.

“Our Ruby suffered so much. We couldn't give her much when she was young, and just as she was finding success, someone cruelly snuffed out her life."

Lilah Listened, her heart heavy, not uttering a word.

Ruby's mother let her tears flow freely; it seemed she might never stop. Lilah sensed her near exhaustion when, with a deep breath, the older woman took out a little doll from her pocket.

Lilah recognized it immediately. It was the gift she had given Ruby during their high school days. There was a sale in the toy store back then. For every doll you bought, you got another free. Lilah had chosen two-a pink one and a blue one. She'd gifted the pink one to Ruby.

Although the doll showed signs of age, its pristine condition spoke of a loving owner's care.

“This was your gift to Ruby," her mother began, her voice shaky.

"She paraded it around the house for days. She'd always attach it to her bag whenever she left home. Now that she's not here, it'll just gather dust. I thought it should be with you."

Gently, Lilah accepted the doll.

As she took the tissue offered by Gerard, the weight of her sorrow hit her anew. Tears stained the tissue, her whole frame shaking.

She clutched the doll tightly, reflecting on their friendship.

Ruby had once truly valued her as a friend, hadn't she?

Yet, as time's relentless march moved on, their paths had diverged, each moving in their own direction.

After the somber event, Lilah threw herself into her work to distract from the pain.

One night, reaching the door to her apartment in Starlight Mansion, Lilah contemplated ordering food. Just then, a message from Gerard caught her eye.

“When are you finishing work? What do you want to eat?"

He'd sent it at seven. It was now ten.

“I've just gotten home," Lilah typed back. “Starving. Think I'll get some takeout."

No sooner had she hit send, than the door from the neighboring apartment swung open.

In the dim corridor, Gerard stood tall.

“Step in," he called out.

Perplexed, Lilah obliged. As she did, an enticing aroma welcomed her.

The table held plates covered with lids. Lifting them, Gerard revealed a feast, and the room filled with mouthwatering scents. Four dishes and a warm soup beckoned.

“Dig in," Gerard encouraged, ladling soup into a bowl for her.