Daniel ushered Maisie into the car and drove out of the narrow alley. Maisie’s hands remained cold despite the warm car interior, and she shivered.

To ease her tension, Daniel tried to strike up a conversation. “By the way, do you live nearby?”

“It’s a bit far from here,” Maisie answered softly. “I usually don’t take this route, but I left work late today, and it’s more convenient, so I decided to use it. I didn’t expect someone to follow me.”

“It’s important to be cautious when walking through dark, quiet alleys,” Daniel advised.

Maisie nodded, and a thought suddenly crossed her mind. She gazed at him. “Mr. Quimby, why are you here too?”

Daniel couldn’t admit to following her all this time. He had been secretly keeping an eye on her, concerned for her safety on her way home. He had convinced himself that her apartment was in a moderately safe downtown area surrounded by busy roads. But his concern became a reality today.

Daniel moistened his dry lips and had to craft a lie. “I have a friend with a bar nearby, and I came to support him. I had a drink earlier, so I went to the alley for some fresh air, and that’s how I happened to run into you.”

“You had a drink?” Maisie widened her eyes and sniffed the air but couldn’t detect any alcohol in the car. She was worried. “You shouldn’t drive if you’ve been drinking!”

“Huh?” Daniel realized the holes in his lie and calmly added, “Oh, no, it’s not me who had too much to drink. It’s my friend. I was just there to accompany him for some fresh air.”

“What about your friend, then?”

“Uh…”

“You left your friend alone in the alley?”

“I…”

lie unraveled. He couldn’t fathom why he had become like this. He didn’t understand why he could remain

sensing his discomfort. “Are you sure you haven’t been drinking? They’re really strict about drunk driving now, and you don’t want to get caught by the police. If you’ve been drinking, please pull over.

and then pick up my friend. He’s

“Really?”

Daniel stated firmly, “Absolutely.”

brows relaxed slightly, and she smiled at him.

small favor.

approached the intersection, Maisie directed him to turn left, leading them to the entrance of her residential

car door for

roads,” he advised gently. “Don’t take these small alleys. They’re not

“Mm.”

leave work a bit earlier.

before I can leave. Some parents are very busy and often forget to

the kids. I noticed that one of them liked the bear last time, but I almost caused an accident. I feel bad about it. They’ll arrive tomorrow, and each child will receive one. Could you please help distribute them,

but also felt warmth in her

at

the one from before still

looking at him. “I’ve been meaning to find a chance to return it to you. Hold on,

Daniel said

It was hers anyway.

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