46

“Did you do all this today?” he asked again, his voice behind her, warm with a hint of skepticism. It further raised her guilt and anxiety but she struggled to control it. She refused to let his imposing presence affect her. She was Andra Anderson. No one scared her.

“Yes.” She responded, still surprised that her voice was barely above a whisper. What was happening to her? She cleared her throat. “Yes.” She repeated in a firmer voice that still sounded a bit faint to her ears, but since it sounded better, she would do with that.

“Well done.” He said, his voice still mellow. “I’m impressed.”

“Thank you.” She replied, satisfied with his response.

“I didn't actually believe you’ll see it through.”

“I had no choice, D.”

He paused, saying nothing and she turned around to ascertain his expression. Then it hit her that she had just given him a nickname. Her face flushed with embarrassment.

“D?” he said, his lips curved in amusement.

“Your name is too long, so I shortened it.” She replied.

“H