Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

She noticed one of his eyes was all red and immediately started rummaging

through her bag. "Let me put some drops in for you."

"You'll help me?" Lester asked, his voice light.

"Of course."

Sylvia nodded without a second thought, not catching the little smile that flickered across Lester's face.

He sat right down next to her, waiting expectantly.

Sylvia popped open the spray bottle, and a sharp medicinal smell blasted out, making both of them cough. The stench just wouldn't quit.

Sylvia covered her nose and mouth. "Let me open a window before we both pass out."

She hurried across the room, cranked open the window, and breathed in some much-needed fresh air. Only then did the smell start to fade.

She glanced at the bottle-some herbal extract for redness and swelling. The scent was... complicated.

Sylvia quickly screwed the cap back on, took a deep breath by the open window, and turned to find Lester standing right beside her.

They shared a quick, knowing smile.

"Sorry, I didn't even read the warning label," she said, a little sheepishly.

"Do you always have to be so polite with me?" Lester teased.

Sylvia suddenly realized just how close they were standing. She fumbled for words, not sure what to do with her hands.

Before she could come up with something, Lester said, "I'm staying here tonight."

Sylvia stared at him,

Ms. Ward living on this floor, right? If what she said is true, she's already

point, but she hated to trouble

decline when Lester stepped even closer, lowering his head

I just can't leave you alone," he

reached up, fingers brushing

froze, her

She didn't dislike Lester.

talking with him felt easy,

Maybe...

started to raise her hand-to stop him,

startled, and Lester instinctively pulled her

"Don't worry," he whispered.

trip?"

"Where's the main breaker?"

know where it is. I'll

but Lester caught her by the

"Wait. Call Ms. Ward. Tell her not to open

understood what

shut off the

who sounded absolutely terrified and

step out

don't open your door. Lock it

caught on fast. "Okay, okay. You be

"Thanks."

the faint

Ms. Ward-she'd just finished talking

fear in the dark, mixed

at the door,