Under the influence of fear, she quickly got dressed and met Katherine at the entrance of the store. It was only when they reached the parking lot, she got into the car and leaned back against the seat that her nervousness eased a little. Although it was only the second time she had been in this car, it gave her a strange sense of security.

“You okay?” Katherine checked on her after she drove away from the mall, “Are you feeling better now?”

“Ah- Yes… I’m sorry to cause you more trouble…”

“No, it’s fine. Even though this mall was far away, there was still a chance that we might meet someone there. Luckily, we already got what we needed.”

“Yes. Oh- And…! Thank you for paying for the clothes.”

“You're welcome.”

For a while she just gazed at Katherine. Then she bowed her head. "You said you didn't have money though..." She mumbled.

“Sorry?”

“Yesterday… You said you didn’t have enough money for the hotel. I- I’m not trying to say you should have-! I- I just remembered you said that…” Now it was as if she was pressurising her for not paying for the hotel, but it was really strange! It was obvious that she had money!

Katherine gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands, keeping her eyes on the road "After what happened, I didn't think it was a good idea to leave you alone in an unknown hotel room. I'm sorry, I lied to you."

Elizabeth's hearth ached. She felt like crying all of a sudden. Before she realised it, the word escaped from her lips, "Stop."

Katherine turned to her in surprise and a little flustered, "I- I'm really sorry, it wasn't my intention to-"

“Please stop the car!”

Katherine pressed her lips together. She did as she told and pulled the car over. As soon as the car stopped, Elizabeth got out and took a few steps away from the car. There was no one on the street. The cool wind was sweeping the leaves. The street was filled with the chirping of birds greeting the warm sun. This peaceful view in front of her did not relieve the ache in her chest, in fact, each breath she took increased the pain a little more. She was startled by the sound of the door behind her.

"I’m truly sorry. But I swear it wasn't my intention to bring you to my house by lying".

Why was she apologising? After everything she'd done for her, why was she the one apologising, even after Elizabeth shouted at her?

"If I've made you feel uncomfortable-"

"I am uncomfortable!" Elizabeth shouted again, as surprised by her reaction as Katherine was. When she saw the look on the girl's face, the feeling of regret filled her mind. But it was already too late...

Katherine's reaction was somehow familiar to her. “I- I'm sorry." There was something she couldn't name in Katherine's voice. "Please don't think that I was fooling you. Everything I've said so far is true, I swear. Except for this one."

Elizabeth could remember it now, if you… want something… something else, I can’t do that- Memories of yesterday flashed before her eyes. Katherine had reacted the same way yesterday when she had said that to her. Both times, it was as if Katherine could read her mind. Somehow the girl could hear the thoughts in the back of her mind and tell her things that would comfort her without her opening her mouth.

She already knew. She might not have known this girl for long, but something inside her was absolutely certain she was telling the truth.

“What do you want to do?” Katherine took out her phone, “I can help with a hotel now if you want. Let me ask them if they have an empty room-”

She stopped when her wrist was suddenly grabbed by Elizabeth. When had she come so close?

“Wait Katherine, please…” Elizabeth couldn't even look at Katherine’s face.

“X Hotel, how can I help you? Hello...? Is anyone there? How can I help-”, Katherine had already dialled the number, but she hung up right away.

Elizabeth slowly released Katherine’s wrist. She took a deep breath, “I guess I am the weird one here…”

“Sorry?”

“I have no idea what I should do.” Elizabeth rested her forehead on Katherine's chest, “I am totally confused. I don't know what I'm doing. Everything is so messed up at the moment. My life has been turned upside down in just one day. I have never received help from anyone without giving something in return. That is why you make me feel uneasy." She exhaled, "But, still... Could you keep helping me for a bit longer?"

Katherine felt her entire body relax. She exhaled deeply and smiled.

“I will gladly.”

“Thank you.”

It was indeed a warm and beautiful day…