I returned to the hospital room to keep Selenapany.


    I wasn''t sure why, but ever since that shower we had, it felt like she had be a different person. She had grown increasingly clingy and was always eager to chat with me. Even when she could tell the conversation was fading, she would switch topics cheerfully andugh heartily.


    However, no matter how funny her jokes were, the thought of being stuck in the hospital with no way to leave or contact anyone without Zion''s permission dulled any humor.


    Seeing my serious expression, Selena stoppedughing and shook me gently. "Hud, what''s wrong? Why don''t you smile at any of my jokes? Did I not tell them well? Are they not funny?"


    I shook my head, sighed, and looked at her.


    "Scientific studies show that if a person stays in a confined space for too long, they''ll start feeling ill."


    Her eyebrows shot up in response. "Hud, are you saying you want to go outside?" I definitely wanted to go outside, but I had no idea where to go. I wanted to return to Carzonia, but neither Zion nor Selena would agree to let me leave.


    "I do want to get out. It''s too stuffy here, but I don''t know where I''d go."


    Hearing this, Selena''s face lit up with excitement. "That''s easy! Just wait for me."


    She immediately rang the bell, and the door opened. She walked to the entrance and said something to the two people standing there. One of them left, and before long, Zion arrived, panting as if he had run over.


    Upon seeing Zion, Selena turned back and hooked her arm through mine, looking positively jubnt. "Zion, get a car for us! Hud and I want to go out and have some fun!"


    Zion looked utterly baffled by this. He eyed Selena suspiciously and then shot me a displeased nce.


    He didn''t have to look at me like this. It was clearly all Selena''s idea, and I hadn''t prompted her at all.


    After studying me for a while, Zion firmly replied, "No way. You''re still hospitalized. You can''t go out."


    Seeing Selena''s expression change, he quickly grabbed her hand and added, "Selena, I''m doing this for your own good. It''s not safe for you to go out. It''s better to stay in your room."


    I was tired of hearing the phrase "for your own good". It often led to harm, and after hearing it so many times, it became irritating.


    Selena clearly felt the same way. She abruptly yanked her hand away from Zion and pointed at him, fuming. "Zion, have I spoiled you so much that you''ve forgotten our identities and rtionship?


    "Just remember that I''m the one in charge here, and you''re just a maid I hired with my money. Now arrange for a car for me and Hud so we can go have fun!"


    Her words seemed to hit Zion''s nerves, and I could see the surprise and sadness in his eyes. Still, after what she said, he eventually relented. He pulled a set of car keys from his pocket and handed them to the person at the door.