Patty and Leslie held onto James for a while, their warm embrace, unspokenly filled with emotions — gratitude, love, relief. They didn't need words to express what they felt, as their actions said it all.
When they finally pulled away, both of them had wide smiles on their faces, their eyes shimmering with happiness.
Patty placed a gentle hand on James' shoulder, giving him one final look filled with affection.
"Thank you, sweetheart. For everything."
Leslie, who was usually loud and playful, nodded firmly this time, her voice unusually soft.
"Yeah. Thank you, James."
James didn't say much. He simply smiled, nodded, and patted them both lightly on the head.
"Go get some rest."
With that, Patty and Leslie bid him goodnight and walked up the grand staircase to their rooms, their footsteps light, their hearts lighter.