A New Task

“Hiding what? You’ve got it wrong.” Esli nervously released Ed’s hand before his own could be severed.

“I just want Liz to enjoy herself when she meets her friends.”

Esli tried to persuade him, but Ed kept walking inside, not knowing where Liz's room was but guessing it would be on the second floor.

“Wait, Don Rosas!” Esli followed in a panic, cursing under his breath.

“Hey! Where are you going?”

Just as Ed reached the end of the stairs, Ruby greeted them sweetly, looking normal, but her shoulders moved slightly, hiding her labored breathing. It was clear she had been running, but she tried to look as if she hadn’t.

“Where have you been?” asked Ed. Ruby had emerged from the hallway leading to the back exit.

“Oh, I was just seeing my friends off. They just left.” Ruby forced a smile.

“What happened to your forehead?” Ed approached Ruby and tilted her head up. The bandage was quite large.

“This? I fell while fooling around earlier. It’s a small wound, but my friends insisted I wear a ba