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.

after final exams? Did

"No."

time, his fingers slowly gripping the

n"Shirley" beca lump in

a reluctant smile as she reached out to ruffle his hair. Only

man. Embarrassed, she

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

to get your contact, and you always seemed so busy.

can't read your expressions. You were always hard to read, and

been fiercely independent. Shirley had practically had

from his rural

glanced at his face, concerned she'd upset him by messing up his hair. Just as she was about to apologize, he

and leaned his head in closer. He had a stubborn

he was doing when the

spotting Abner leaning in, head close to

lice or something?" lan's brow

at his side, clenched into a fist, his teeth almost

his forgotten phone, and

Maja's feeling a bit off, so I'm

wasn't there, Abner would've hurled a bowl

treating them? What kind

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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