Mirabe picked up her phone and scrolled through the messages from a contactbeled "Big Chain Bro."


    Unknown Sender: [WTF, kiddo, hacking my phone in the middle of the night???]


    Unknown Sender: [What did my phone ever do to you?]


    Unknown Sender: [First theputer, now my phone? Got a crush on me or something? Sorry, but I don''t swing that way!]


    A smirk tugged at Mirabe''s lips. She tapped out a reply, [Oh, Dad got a newptop, just breaking it in.]


    Unknown Sender: [...Be a decent human being, please!]


    Mirabe didn''t bother to respond further. She turned her attention back to herputer, sat in silence for a moment, then ced her phone on the desk. Next, she reached for a velvet box beside her.


    The box was clearly designed for jewelry.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Mirabe opened it to reveal a diamond bracelet. Its design was simple and understated, quite fitting for a youngdy.


    She examined the bracelet for a bit, and just as she was about to put it back, the sp caught her eye.


    Leaning in, she scrutinized it closely, and her expression turned sly.


    The bracelet had a tracker embedded in it.


    Not the kind used for stalking, but one that could save lives in critical moments. Her benefactor, this Chester, had quite the taste. It made her wonder who he really was. After all, average people didn''t hand out such sophisticated gadgets. Mirabe ced the bracelet back in the box, pondering what sort of thank-you gift would be appropriate for such a valuable present. And hadn''t she overheard somethingst night about this mysterious Chester being under the weather?


    If that was true, it made things easier. After all, she had a knack for curing all sorts of ailments.


    With a few taps on the desk, Mirabe decided not to dwell on it any longer. She stood up and climbed back into bed.


    *


    The next day.


    As usual, Mirabe got up early for her morning run.


    Descending the stairs, she spotted Nick already awake, which was a surprise. "Nick, up with the birds?" she called out as she approached him.


    Only when she got closer did she notice his haggard look, a clear sign of another restless night. She frowned slightly.


    Nick held a cup of warm water, and on seeing Mirabe, he subtly gripped something in his other hand, hiding it alongside his body.


    "Just jetgged," he said softly.


    Mirabe''s gaze briefly swept over his right hand, but then she looked up nonchntly and asked, "Did you remember to light thevender candle before bedst night?"


    He had indeed lit the candle, but sleep still eluded him, which was why he considered taking some sleeping pills.


    Nick shook his head, replying, "Slipped my mind."


    Mirabe didn''t call him out on the lie. After thinking for a moment, she checked


    her watch and decided to skip her run. "How about I help you out with a couple of needles?"


    "Huh?" Nick looked at her, puzzled. "Needles?"


    She nodded, keeping a straight face. "Picked up some acupuncture skills from an old hippie healer back in the countryside. I''m pretty skilled now. Let me give you a session. Guarantee you''ll sleep like a baby tonight."


    Nick was silent for a few seconds, the promise of a good night''s sleep too tempting to resist. He cleared his throat, "Won''t it take up too much of your time?"


    Mirabe waved a dismissive hand. "Not at all, we''ve got plenty of time." "Alright then."


    And with that, Nick followed Mirabe back upstairs.