Five years. Even a stone would have warmed up a little after being held for that long.
Suddenly, I felt like everything had been in vain.
After dinner, I went straight to bed.
In the middle of the night, I was woken by a crashing sound from the living room.
Arthur had night blindness, so I always leave a light on for him when he comes home late.
I thought this gesture would make him feel the warmth of home, but he never seemed to care.
Tonight, before going to bed, I turned off all the lights.
Without that worry on my mind, I slept more soundly than ever before.
Arthur walked into the bedroom, switched on the bedside lamp, and said in a slightly irritated tone, "Why didn't you leave the light on? I almost fell just now."
I simply replied, "Hmm," without offering any explanation.
In the past, I would have responded with ten sentences for every one of Arthur's, but not anymore.
Perhaps sensing my indifference, he initiated a conversation. "Aria was there when you called today, so I couldn't talk much about our private matters."
I nodded. "Indeed."
He seemed surprised by my calmness, his gaze lingering on my face for a moment. After a pause, he added, "Are you feeling unwell anywhere?"