After delivering his awkward attempt at humor, Abner was at a loss for words. In Shirley's presence, he always seemed to lose his

knack for conversation.

Shirley had intended to pass him sfood, as she had in the past, but a sudden realization stopped her cold; things between

them had changed too much to go back to the way they once were.

Silence descended upon the room.

Maja felt that lan's kindness wouldn't take long to repay. She touched her belly subconsciously, drawing lan's attention away from

Abner's failed joke. His concern was immediate.

"You okay?"

"Just a bit off. I need sfresh air," she said.

"Lethelp you."

Together, they stood and left the private dining room.

Their departure only heightened the awkwardness between Shirley and Abner.

He poured her another cup of tea, while she observed the long fingers that gracefully handled the teacup.

The first tShirley had seen Abner, he was lanky and pale, clearly malnourished. It had taken a year of care to nurse him back to

health.

word after final exams? Did my parents give you a hard

"No."

time, his fingers

lump in his

she reached out to ruffle his hair. Only after the

24-year-old man. Embarrassed, she quickly withdrew her

I guess. My parents were harsh back then, said spretty mean

took ages to get your contact, and you always seemed so busy. Whenever I

expressions. You were

been fiercely independent. Shirley had practically had to teach him everything by hand when

his

upset him by messing up his hair. Just as

in closer. He had a stubborn

was about to ask what he was doing when

stood there, spotting Abner leaning

got lice or something?" lan's brow furrowed

hand, previously dangling at his side, clenched

his forgotten phone, and

the bill. Maja's feeling a bit

Abner would've hurled a bowl at

it lan who insisted on treating them? What kind of

to waste tcalling over a waiter. He had the eerie feeling that every second counted, as if

him.

standing outside for air, watched

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