[113]

Austin woke up today a little tired. His hands also felt numb. His eyes also felt hot. As soon as he realized, he was sleeping on his hands and a desk. Lots of reports and a laptop that was still on. "Oh my, I overslept."

He also noticed the surroundings, nothing had changed including the closed door. Not even the dinner she had asked to be delivered to her room. It was still fresh in his memory how Maria looked at him in surprise.

"Are you... alright, sir?" she asked after dinner was served.

"I guess I'm just tired." Austin tried to stay focused. "You can go. Make sure Calysta doesn't mess up at the door. I don't want to be disturbed."

"B-good, sir."

"Did you take care of my mom, Maria?" asked Austin as he ate his dinner. He had been eating at irregular hours for the past few days. In fact, she often delayed her food intake just to take care of the unfinished report.

"I have, sir."

"That's good."

"Then you'll have to excuse me