Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Mr. Sanford?" Sylvia looked up at the man walking in.

Lester was holding a thermos bag, and when he spotted the takeout boxes on the table, he grinned. "Looks like someone had the same idea as me."

To Sylvia's surprise, Edwin lifted up the food he'd brought. "Mr. Sanford, I just stopped by to check on Sylvia. This is for her mom. Good timing, I guess."

Sylvia's eyes widened, silently pleading with Edwin not to misunderstand.

But Edwin just smiled. "I'll leave you guys to talk."

Before Sylvia could say a word, Edwin was already gone with his things.

She looked awkwardly at Lester. "Sorry... are you okay?"

She noticed the hospital gown peeking out from under Lester's coat.

The ocean water had been freezing-most people wouldn't have handled it.

Lester set the food down by the bed, opening the box as he reassured her, “I'm

fine, just caught a bit of a chill. How about you?"

Trying to break the awkwardness, Sylvia jokingly lifted her limp arm.

"Yves nearly twisted my arm off, but other than that, I'm alright."

"Let me see."

Lester sat on the edge of the bed, his long fingers gently wrapping around her wrist, pulling her a little closer.

sudden closeness

pull

his gaze intent. "Are you

"No," Sylvia said honestly.

saw the red mark on her arm. "You know what

Sylvia shook her head.

to keep

was warm, and when she didn't resist, he carefully lifted

Sylvia's mind went blank.

"I..."

when the wall-mounted TV

a billion-dollar deal. Mr. Rupert's wedding just

always dramatic, showed a photo of Rupert and Reese smiling together, even though

the happy couple, Sylvia remembered what

start over. To let go

the words of rejection stuck in her throat. "I'm

cutting her off. "That's in the past. You'll never know unless

"My dad..."

was honestly terrified

just smiled easily. "I already

He doesn't get involved in my

everything about

text messages into a

not sure how

the hook. "Let's eat. I asked Zion