The Beginning Of All Sins

Even Alisa noticed that Olivia didn't seem herself. Concerned, she approached her in the morning, asking, "What's wrong, Ma'am? Did you have a nightmare?" Olivia, panic-stricken, sat motionless in bed. Her head was drenched in sweat, her face ashen.

"Ma'am?" Alisa pressed gently.

Olivia gazed at her in silence for a moment before pulling her knees close, appearing utterly helpless.

Alisa sensed her distress, sat beside her, and grasped her shoulders. "What's the matter? Did something happen?"

"I'm scared," Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible.

"What is it?"

Olivia remained silent, her body trembling.

Alisa, alarmed, exclaimed, "Did something frighten you?"

Olivia stayed silent, burying her face between her knees.

hurried to find

sat on the couch, engaged in conversation with the

poker with friends or visiting the beauty salon, but she often stayed

seeing Alisa enter, Maisy asked, "What brings you

"Ms. Maisy, Ms. Olivia

pillow. "Why is she sick? Did

day

go. Let's find out what

immediately went

*

Maisy arrived, Olivia

the same

nove

ne

my darling?

Olivia

et

that something was amiss. She sat by the bed and held