Sonny, with his sleeves rolled up, crossed the threshold in a noticeably good mood.
Kyson, supporting himself against the door frame, limped in, his striking features marred by paleness.
Aside from the bruise on the corner of his mouth that was there before, his face bore no new marks.
His deep blue eyes were slightly unfocused.
Silently, he headed for the inner room.
During his stay, Hilda had surrendered her own bedroom to him and had been sharing Lucindaâs room instead.
Just as Hilda emerged with a basin of water to wash her face, she bumped into Kyson once more.
By the time Kyson attempted to adopt a more relaxed stance, it was too late; Hilda had caught him in his awkward posture.
âWhatâs wrong? You look so drained suddenly.
What happened out there?â she asked.
In the Living room, the other two men lay on the floor, engrossed in their phones, displaying utter disinterest.
Kyson managed a weak smile.
âNothing serious.
Just caught some strong headwinds.
Made me a bit dizzy, thatâs all.â
..
Library
âYou havenât caught a cold, have you?â Hilda asked, concern lacing her voice.
âIâve got some medicine in my room.
Let me fetch it.
You should take a few pills.â
âNo need to fuss.
Iâm usually quite robust.
This dizziness will pass by morning.â
âAre you sure?â Hilda scrutinized him, her worry not quite eased.
âAnd why have you been holding your waist the whole time?â
Kyson chuckled, trying to reassure her, âItâs just an old back strain.
Nothing serious.
Itâll clear up in a few days.â
Sonny, lounging on the floor nearby, couldnât resist a laugh and clicked his tongue.
âMr.
Shaw, youâre in your thirties and already plagued by back problems-thatâs not a good sign.
You need to exercise more and take better care of yourself.
Otherwise, your future wife might turn you down because of it.â
Kysonâs expression hardened.
He grunted in acknowledgment, straightened up, and strode to the inner room, closing the door with a definitive thud that made the flimsy door panel quiver.
Hilda, sensing his irritation, lingered by the door, her discomfort palpable.
âDonât worry about him, Hilda,â Sonny advised.
âHeâs always had a short fuse, especially about his health.
You should head to bed.
Itâs getting late.â
âAlright.
You guys should also get some rest soon.
If the floorâs too hard, let me know, and Iâll find another solution.â
Sonny smiled reassuringly.
âDonât worry, Hilda.
Weâre fine with just a bench.
The floor here is surprisingly comfy.â
âWell, Iâll head back to my room now.
Try to get some sleep, you two.â
With that, she closed her door.
The room was modest and offered little in the way of soundproofing.