......
"Why do you sound so pessimistic?" Leah looked at Ernest in surprise. "You're a splendid young lad. Why are you talking like an old grandpa?"
Hearing a grown man saying such somber things made it seem as if he had gone through a tragedy. His voiced was tinged in despair, and hearing it made her felt uneasy.
Maria could sympathize with what Ernest had meant. Sometimes, not having your feelings being reciprocated could bring such sorrow.
She shrugged her shoulders and continued climbing uphill beside Liam.
Leah took note of Ernest's silence, so she didn't say anything else. Something was flashing through her mind, and she felt as if there was something off with what Ernest said earlier.
However, Leah wasn't one who was good at probing into people's secrets, so she didn't ask any further.
For the journey after that, Leah also fell into silence, not saying much.