Hannah sighed and massaged her forehead.


    “You might have to deal with this yourself.


    Let me know if you manage to sort things out.


    ”


    “WiLL do.


    ”


    The call ended, and Winston’s arm, still clutching the phone, fell to his side.


    Just then, he heard Alessandra’s voice calling from afar.


    She hurried back, panting, her cheeks red and her hair slightly disheveled.


    “Winston!”


    Looking troubled, Alessandra admitted, “This is all my fault.


    I can’t find the ticket anywhere.


    I must have lost it when we went out for dinner!”


    Under the cover of night, Winston turned to Alessandra with a calm demeanor.


    “Don’t worry.


    The ship has already left.


    ”


    “What?” Alessandra looked towards the sea’s horizon in the darkness and softly said, “Then, what do we do next?”


    “I could get us tickets for tomorrow,” Winston suggested, smiling.


    A look of concern crossed Alessandra’s face as she clutched at Winston’s clothing.


    “Winston, maybe we’re not meant to leave.


    Could my losing the ticket today be a sign?”


    “Why would you say that?” Winston inquired, keeping his voice even.


    Alessandra bit her lip.


    “I’m not sure.


    It’s just a feeling.


    Winston, let’s stay, alright? I really don’t want to say goodbye to Miss Moore.


    ”


    Winston looked at Alessandra for a moment, making her feel almost alien to him.


    Then, slowly, he reached out and tenderly stroked her hair.


    “Alright, we’ll stay.


    ”


    On their walk back, Winston was quiet.


    Even Alessandra, who had been keen on returning, felt that something wasn’t right.


    She peeked at Winston walking beside her and ventured, “Winston, do you think I’m being too selfish?”


    Sitting in the back seat, Winston didn’t turn around.


    He just stared out at the night rushing by and said simply, “No.


    ”


    “Winston, do you still hold a grudge about me losing the ticket?”


    “Let’s just forget about the past.


    ” Winston’s voicecked the warmth it once had.


    It sounded tired and distant.


    Unfortunately, Alessandra, caught up in her thoughts, didn’t pick up on this.


    When they got to the Compton estate, lights were still on at Hannah’s vi.


    Everyone was gathered in the living room.


    Seeing Alessandra walk in, Dotson couldn’t hide his sarcasm.


    “What brings you back here?”


    Alessandra went straight to Hannah, her voice full of hope.


    “Miss Moore, please, don’t kick me and my brother out.


    I know I messed up before, and I’m ready to face whateveres.


    ”


    Hannah stared at her quietly, then leaned back on the sofa with a smile.


    “Alessandra, I don’t hold it against you.


    But your brother broke our rules.


    I have to deal with him.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    You’re not part of this, though.


    ”