Extreme Joy Begets Extreme Sorrow

Elsie had been napping on the sofa. ‘Young Madam?’ She rubbed her bleary eyes and stifled a yawn. ‘Is Young Master back?’ ‘No.’ Kira didn’t look around. Her voice was low and hoarse. ‘It’s getting late. I’m going to bed. So should you.’ Elsie was too sleepy to notice the dejection in Kira’s voice. ‘Okay. Good night.’ ‘Good night.’ Kira dragged herself upstairs. She took a quick shower, brushed her teeth mechanically, then changed into her pyjamas. She flopped down into bed, lying on her back, staring up at the ceiling. The sun was in bed by now. The goddess of night came out to inspect her territory with an entourage of stars. There was no breeze. The air was stifling. Kira forgot to turn on the air conditioner. Temperate was the last thing on her mind right now. Besides, she wasn’t feeling hot. Disappointment worked like an antipyretic. A cold feeling originated in her heart and radiated outward. Kira pulled the blanket over her face. Her hand touched her cheeks and came away wet. She