12. Shadows of Doubt

In the darkness of the night, he strolled along the roadside, while the mountains ahead stood adorned with a blanket of snow. The biting cold made his hands tremble uncontrollably, despite the warmth provided by his woolen sweater.

However, his journey seemed destined to fall short of reaching its intended endpoint.

After a brief ten-minute stroll, he arrived home with rosy cheeks caused by the chilly weather. Upon entering the house, he observed that all the lights were extinguished and everyone was fast asleep.

He proceeded to enter his mother's bedroom and discovered her sound asleep. He then made his way to his sisters' room, where he found her in a slumbering state as well. Finally, he arrived at his own room. In the midst of that chilly night, he sat before the heater, deep in contemplation.

Leo's countenance displayed sorrow, stemming from the departure of his father, who had left behind his mother and sisters, causing a persistent sense of unease within him. His mother