Ellen Candi's hoarse cries resounded intermittently in the dim room, like a trapped beast weeping blood. Eric Candi stood at the door, watching her for a moment through the hazy light before reaching out to close the door and entering the room.
He placed Ellen's handgun in the drawer, then turned to face her and said, "After you disappeared, Aldana has been worried about you. If something happened to you because of her, she would be devastated to know."
Ellen looked up at him.
The man's resolute and stern face, in the bluish shadows, was like an iron-cast statue, sharp and invincible.
She shook her head, seemingly lost in thought.
After a long while, she said softly, "…You're still the same as before. But I'm no longer the person I used to be."
Eric stood still, saying nothing.
"Why won't you tell me what happened in the past?" Ellen asked with a bitter smile, "Are you afraid?"
"I'm afraid."
The quiet man spoke unexpectedly.
