Stella was going to return to her room after dinner. Justin replied, "Stella, would you please have a walk with me in the garden?"

Stella stopped and gave a nod of approval, "Yes."

It wasn't really dark just yet. The sky was a dull gray color throughout. Every gloomy cloud was assembling. The humidity was high.

A thunderstorm is predicted for the evening. Justin asked Stella, who was staring off into the horizon in a stupor, "You are not used to staying here, are you?"

Stella lowered her eyes. Putting pressure to her lips, she refuted.

"My father is quite stubborn," Justin went on. “To persuade him, I need more...