The Scene

Samuel tousled Joanne's hair and said, "It's late, go to bed. You have a class early in the morning." "Fine..." Joanne groaned, then obediently entered the house. Samuel stood outside in the cold wind for a while, remembering the scene just now. He couldn't help shaking his head and letting out a self-deprecating chuckle, then decisively stepped into the house and shut himself in the study. Night had fallen, and silence reigned. After finishing the documents at hand, he rubbed his temples, feeling an incoming headache. He picked up his phone and glanced at the time: it was exactly two in the morning. He randomly swiped his fingers across the screen, and somehow ended up on Lucille's contact. Samuel hesitated, then out of the blue, he sent a message: "Are you okay?" He regretted it as soon as he sent it. But the message had been delivered, not even allowing him the chance to retract it. Guilt ate away at his heart. He found himself staring at the screen, too hesitant even to blink, wait