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"Can I... hold you?" asked Caraline in a hoarse voice. Her body was shaking violently from the cold and emotional turmoil. Even though the rain had soaked through her body, tears still warmed her cheeks.

Deric was silent for a while, observing Caraline's appearance which he thought was very chaotic. There was no stern face carved into the woman's features, only a look of sadness and fear.

"Sure," Deric replied at last.

"Thank... thank you." Caraline still lingered on the grass with her face downcast. Her hands were alternately wiping away tears. Thunder and lightning were still appearing in the sky. Nature seemed to share in the creeping fear.

Caraline moved towards Deric, clinging to him with unshed tears. The umbrella Deric was using fell over, showering both of them with water.

Caraline closed her eyes, hugging the man she loved and the man she had hurt so tightly as if she didn't want Deric to leave as if this was the last time she would ever see him. It felt so warm, especially w