Elzi felt sure that when she returned home, she would immediately bang her head against the wall. Let her head shatter and spill its contents everywhere. Consider it as a punishment she imposed on herself.

How could I agree to Portia's request? I just nodded without even thinking. Argh!

Now, regret was useless. Elzi realized that when Portia decided to leave, leaving her and Mario alone, she felt torn. She did not know what to do. Should she wake him up? Or just tidy up the blanket and leave immediately? After all, Elzi did not forget Razen's message—don't take too long.

Approaching Mario's bed, Elzi stopped right beside it. She...