Devandra’s footsteps sounded heavy on Vania’s porch. This time, the knock on the door was not like it usually was—soft, yet weighed down by something unseen.

Vania, who had been pacing back and forth in the living room, immediately stopped in her tracks. She opened the door, and there stood Devandra—his face pale, his eyes tired, his shoulders slightly slumped.

“You… look terrible,” Vania said, her tone half-concerned.

Devandra let out a long sigh, looking at Vania for several seconds as if trying to draw strength from her. “I… haven’t slept all night. Too much on my mind.”

“Come in,” Vania invited. As soon as the door closed, the aroma...