<b>Mnie </b>snapped out of her shback. She retrieved the report and slid it across the table to Eugene, saying, “Here is it. You…”
Before she could finish her sentence, the room was engulfed in sudden darkness as the lights went out. Only the faint glow of theputer screen illuminated the space.
Mnie’s <b>heart </b>hammered in her <b>as </b>the darkness overwhelmed her vision.
She nced outside to see the sky shrouded in ckness, yet the neighbors‘ windows remained brightly lit.
Suppressing the sudden surge of anxiety, she was about to reach for her phone when a sudden burst of light filled the room.
Eugene had ced his phone nearby. He stood up and said, “I’ll go check the circuit.”
Mnie could not refuse as she was aware of her night blindness. She understood that sitting still was the best course of action. She could only offer assistance by simply staying put and not causing any
disturbance.
In no time, Eugène returned. He removed his coat and draped it over the couch as he calmly exined, “It seems there’s been a power outage. Just stay here and don’t move.“.
Understanding themon urrence of power outages in old houses, Eugene left the room with some tools. He left Mnie alone on the couch.
Outside, the twinkling stars were covered by a thinyer of mist, making for a cozy ambiance.
However, Mnie remained unaffected by the surroundings. Amidst the room’s silence<b>, </b>memories flooded her mind of those nights when those people came banging on her door and windows<b>. </b>They had demanded money because of George’s debts.
Although she knew it was unlikely, she could not shake off the feeling <b>that </b>someone might jump out from the window at any moment<b>, </b>using a stone to shatter it.
Slowly, she pulled her legs up onto the couch and hugged her knees close to her chest to reassure
herself.
When Eugene returned to the room<b>, </b>he immediately noticed Mnie’s curled–up posture.
Freezing for a moment, he then approached her<b>. </b>
Even when he stood before her, Mnie did not <b>sense </b>his presence. Her head was still buried.
Gazing down, Eugene touched Mnie’s forehead and asked softly, “Are you feeling unwell?”
Only upon hearing his voice did Mnie snap out of her reverie. She lifted her head abruptly, fear still lingering in her eyes.
Chapte
Eugene’s hand remained on her forehead as she looked up, her eyes wet with emotion.
Eugene’s Adam’s apple bobbed. After a moment, he reassured her, “Everything’s alright now,”
His coat stilly on the couch. He wore only a thin suit, and his fingertips were slightly cold.
Mnie slowly recovered from her fear. She avoided Eugene’s hand <b>and </b>scooted over to the other side. Her voice sounded weary as she offered, “I’ll retrieve the report for you.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Eugene responded. His dark eyes were fixed on her. “Let’s eat first.”
It was already past dinner time.
Eugene had just dealt with the power outage. Mnie nced at his coat on the couch. She hesitated
“There’s nothing to eat at home. If you mind…
to say,
Interrupting her, Eugene replied, “I don’t mind.”
Considering she had only returned temporarily and was alone, Eugene knew Mnie would not be bothered to stock up on groceries.
The fridge only had some spaghetti, pizza dough, and vegetables.
Mnie cooked two tes of spaghetti bolognese, added some greens, and ced them in front of Eugene. She asked tly, “Would you like to eat?”