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"Yes, I don't want to leave you alone here. I want you to get distracted. By the way, your father is a bit upset about last night."

"I can imagine."

"So, it's better if you don't stay alone with him today because he will want to ask you a lot of questions. What a day yesterday was." Mom left the room, leaving me alone and confused. I put a hand to my head and rubbed my temples.

Liam.

I touched my neck, but the necklace wasn't there; I had forgotten that I broke it. I wanted to see him. I got up and went to shower, knowing today would be a long day.

•

Mom and I went to Aunt Anne's café, and when we arrived, we found her at the reception desk doing some accounting.

"Good morning, how are you feeling, Cristine? You worried us all last night."

"I'm better."

"That's good, dear. Theo is in the storage room; if you want, you can go see him."

I looked at Mom, and she gave me a doubtful look.

"I didn't know he would be here..."

"I'd rather stay here."

"Go on, dear, and take this box with you.