Chapter 6

Three days remained before my trip to Jirnumia. Zachary woke up, already forgetting what had happened last night. He leaned against my shoulder and mumbled about wanting more tonight. Instinctively, I dry-heaved violently and uncontrollably in front of him. I didn't realize I could feel such disgust that even the slightest intimacy became unbearable. Zachary immediately snapped to attention, patting my back. "Clara, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" I followed his lead with a quick lie. "My stomach hurts…" His expression tightened, and he sprang up, quickly dressing and insisting on taking me to the hospital. On the way out, we ran into Nadia, who had just woken up. She froze for a moment before rushing over. "Mommy, what's wrong?" I stayed silent, so Zachary answered for me. Then, Nadia insisted on coming along. In the past, I would have been touched by her thoughtfulness and maturity. Now, I only wondered if her heart had already carried another measure of resentment