On the day of Veronica’s wedding, Matthew disappeared. Thus, he didn’t have a chance to remind Skyler and the others, which led to Skyler still calling her “Roni.”
“I’ve been calling her ‘Roni’ for over two years. I’m used to it.” Skyler laughed. Still, under Matthew’s intimidation, Skyler changed his address toward her. “Veronica.”
Veronica stifled a laugh and waved him off. “Alright now. Get some rest soon. We’re leaving.”
“Bye, Ron.”
“Goodbye, Roni. Goodbye, Matt.” In the end, Skyler didn’t change the address he had for Veronica. Matthew didn’t bother to correct him either as he held Veronica’s hand and headed downstairs.
In the hidden clan, the market had operating hours. On weekdays, all shops would be closed at 9:30 p.m., and everyone would sleep by 10 p.m. Therefore, the hidden clan’s bustling market would be silent after 10 p.m., starkly contrasting with the lively daytime scenery.
Shirley looked at the man beside her and pointed to her room. “I… I’m going to bed now.”
“Okay, goodnight. Let me know if you need anything.”
Then, Skyler and Shirley returned to their respective room. In the room, Matthew had ordered the others to prepare all the necessities including newly washed clothing.
After washing up, Shirley lay on the bed and held the new phone given by Matthew. She learned how to use all of its functions except making and receiving calls. Bored, she lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
Slowly, her mind was filled with supernatural stories, such as “The Strange Case of the Walking Corpse” and the movie plots of “It’s Alive.”
As she thought about it, she became more and more scared. Suddenly, the room lit up. Shirley was startled, and she trembled in fear.
Just as she thought she was hallucinating, her surroundings lit up again. In that split second, she immediately got up from the bed and ran out of the room, knocking on Skyler’s door.
“Open the door, Skyler!” she shouted. After a few seconds, she heard the sound of the door lock opening. Then, the door opened, and out came Skyler. He looked at Shirley, who had a pale face as she stood before him. Before he could say anything, a muffled thunder sound was heard.
“Ah!!” Shirley was frightened as she felt her hair standing on end. Without further thinking, she threw herself into Skyler’s arms, hugging him tightly as she trembled in his embrace.
This sudden outcome stunned Skyler. Then, his eyes lit up as he smiled. He soothed her back and said, “Don’t be afraid. It’s only thunder.”
At that moment, Shirley, who had just been trembling in his arms, suddenly fell silent. After some time, she pushed him away and stepped back. “I… I’m sorry. I was just a little scared.”
Just as Shirley thought about how she had clung to Skyler tightly, she felt her face flushed in embarrassment. However, she really didn’t mean it. Initially, she was afraid of thunder and was even more prone to getting immersed in supernatural stories like ” The Strange Case of the Walking Corpse” after arriving at the hidden clan.
Although the weather was just right, Shirley’s face was pale and drenched with sweat. It was apparent she was indeed frightened. Looking at her, Skyler couldn’t help but feel heartbroken by the sight of her. “You…”
Just as he was about to ask Shirley if she wanted him to accompany her, Shirley spoke up. “Can… Can I sleep here tonight? Don’t take it the wrong way. I can sleep on the floor, and you sleep on the bed. Is that okay?”
Hearing her words, Skyler didn’t say anything and thought, Definitely. This can’t get any better. Although Skyler was overjoyed, he didn’t show much expression.
