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.”

“I’ve seen and heard everything, and I can’t possibly pretend otherwise. My grandfather had always taught me to stand up bravely for what’s right. If I were to do the right thing and call the police now, what do you think will happen to you, Mr.

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

something you can give me. You’re too old and fat, and you have bad teeth and body odor.” She shuddered. “Ugh… I wouldn’t want you even if

as she continued to be deep in thought. “How about this?

darkened as he clenched his fists tightly. There was no doubt he was fuming, and I thought he was about to blow his top. To my surprise, he acceded to Nora’s request and even personally untied Linda and me from

of us knowing how

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

chance to recover from her shock. She turned

Linda

and Nora, though neither said

shrugged innocently when she caught Derek staring helplessly at her. “Don’t look at me. You’re the one who hit her.

Derek immediately thanked Linda before looking back at

back to playing on her phone. Not wanting to stay and be snubbed any further,

finally over, Linda and

Nora, half expecting her to say something. Instead, Nora

Oberick, thank you for your