In her room, Miria sat on her bed, her face in her hands, trying to catch her breath after the confrontation with Morena.
Fatigue, anger, confusion... everything mixed together.
His phone vibrated.
Ray — Incoming call.
She closed her eyes.
She thought about hanging up.
Finally, she answered.
- …Hello.
—Miria?! Finally ! I've been trying to contact you for days!
—What is it, Ray?
—Why do you answer like that? It seems like you don't want to hear me. Are you annoyed? Tired of me?
— Ray… Things are complicated for me at the moment.
"That's what I'm here for, my love. We can talk about it. We can find a solution together.
— You can't understand.
— You don't know anything about it. We didn't even have time to talk about it...
The door opened suddenly.
—Miria? Asher called.
Ray immediately heard the male voice.
—...Miria? Who was it? Who is with you?
Asher, understanding the situation, froze and remained silent.
—Miria? Answer me. Who is it ?
Miria took a deep breath.
"Sorry, Ray. I have to leave you.
She hung up before he even protested and let the phone slide onto the bed.
Asher stepped forward, uneasy.
- How are you ?
- Yes.
He scratched the back of his neck, hesitant.
— Regarding what Morena said… don't believe her. Everything she says is false.
Miria looked at him for a long time.
— It doesn't matter whether it's true or not. You don't need to justify yourself to me.
— I know… but I want to avoid misunderstandings.
A tense silence ensued.
Miria suddenly whispered:
— Why does my opinion matter so much to you?
She raised her eyes to his.
—Are… my feelings important to you? Am I important to you?
Asher tensed, as if she had just hit him. His eyes moved, searching for a way out.
— Um… it… it's getting late. You have class tomorrow. You have to sleep, right?
He jumped up, almost panicking.
- Good night !
And he went out, slamming the door behind him.
Miria remained motionless for a few seconds before a smile – soft, amused, almost tender – appeared on her lips.