It was Sophia’s call.

She had called twice in quick succession. Each time, Grace had declined it without hesitation, and after that, Sophia didn’t try again.

Meanwhile, Alexander, on his end, picked up his phone when it rang. Half an hour later, he returned home.

Sophia lay on the bed, an IV drip attached to her arm. When she saw him walk in, she was pale and listless, like a withered cabbage left too long under the sun. Her small, forlorn voice ...