31. FOR DATES & PRETENSE

"You sure you can't stay any longer? I mean, it isn't even dark yet," Paul held Zara's cheek.

The sun had started casting a light orange glare in the sky and it felt pleasant on the skin.

They stood outside in front of the car. Jeff was already inside, giving the family their privacy.

"Are you sleeping well enough?" Rita asked. "I received the money you sent to me the last time and it was quite a large amount. Hope they aren't overworking you a lot?" She held her daughter's shoulder.

Zara was red around the eyes as she suppressed tears. She felt very emotional, leaving her parents behind. She was bubbling with emotions internally.

"It is okay, she has a shift to attend to," Kelvin came to the rescue as usual. He tried his best to control his breathing in front of them. "You will be making her late if we talk any longer," he said.

"Oh—yeah, I have a shift. I will get enough sleep Mom," she hugged her mother very tightly. Her mother smelled nice. She was using the bottle of perfume