"I wish I knew the answer you are looking for." Cixi looked at Rafael. "I am as confused as you are. I heard someone calling your name while I saw no one. Just. Like. You." She paused, looking in the direction where she had seen something before focusing on Rafael. "And also, why are you being rude about leaving this place? I need to relax."
Cixi placed one hand on the armrest of the couch and shifted her weight forward, her back curving with her belly feeling heavy and round beneath the fabric of her dress. She pressed one palm flat against the cushion and the other against the armrest and pushed herself up slowly. And as she did, her body tilted forward first before her legs took the weight. Standing took a lot of effort today. Everything took effort today... even patience.
