The dim light of the living room cast long shadows on the walls, the ambiance heavy with a mixture of sorrow and resignation. Edward sat between his parents, the warmth of their bodies a stark contrast to the coldness in his heart. His mother, Serena, was on the verge of tears, her eyes glistening under the faint light. Her lips trembled as she struggled to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape her throat. Edward could feel the tension in her hands as he held them gently, their usual firmness now replaced by a fragile, almost desperate grip.
His father, Mr. Quinn, sat stoically, his eyes betraying the sadness he tried so hard to conceal. Every now and then, his gaze would soften as it lingered on Edward, filled with a mix of pride and heartbreak. Despite his attempt to maintain composure, the slight quiver in his voice and the furrow of his brow revealed the inner turmoil he faced.