When There Is Nothing Left But Love

“Hey Derek, have you looked into a mirror recently?” Linda mocked. “You may not see it yourself, but trust us when we say you’re disgusting. You better let us go soon, or you’ll regret it.”

Derek fixed a steely gaze on Linda as he chuckled. “Do you think I’m still the same person from five years ago? The one you so easily manipulated? And do you really think the Murphys have any power over me here in A City?”

“The Murphys may not be able to do anything to you, but I can!” We were all taken by surprise when Nora’s voice rang out of the blue, only to see her emerge from the bathroom.

She leaned casually against the door frame, her lips in a pout. “Mr. Watson, what do you think will happen if I pressed this?” she asked as she slowly held her phone up.

When Derek didn’t reply, the doe-eyed Nora continued, “Why don’t we try it? I’m so curious to know what might happen!”

“Nora,” Derek grunted. Even though he was still smiling, one couldn’t miss the hint of annoyance in his voice. “How did you get in here?”

Nora pinched her cheeks as she muttered, “Having to fake a smile is so tiring. My face has gotten all stiff from it.”

She ignored Derek’s question and looked around the room for a spot to get comfortable in, her phone still tightly clutched in her hand.

“Mr. Watson must have been so busy with work that you forgot this bar was given to me by my grandfather. I was bored and came here today for a drink. But I got a little tipsy and entered this room for a shower and nap. Unfortunately, I got more than what I had bargained for when I ran into this scene.”

her hand. “I’ve seen and heard everything, and I can’t possibly pretend otherwise. My grandfather had

away from Derek’s face. “Tell me, what do you want?” he asked

give me.

ignored him as she continued to be deep in thought. “How about this? I saw you slap them earlier, so why don’t you let them return

I thought he was about to blow his top. To my

stared in bewilderment, neither of us knowing how to react to this

glance at her before turning to face Linda. “Hit me!” he said through

to recover from her shock. She turned around instinctively to

leave,” Linda finally

and Nora,

at me. You’re the one who hit her. You should be thanking her for

looking back at Nora. “Please send my regards

to playing on her phone. Not wanting to stay and be snubbed any further, Derek angrily left with

over, Linda and I could finally

at Nora, half expecting her to say something.

thank you for your help,” Linda called