Brandan Hyde pushed the door open and saw the pillow and quilt Iris Harris had dropped on the floor. The room was dark without the lights on. Iris sat on the bare bed, hugging her legs, burying her face in her knees, her curly long hair cascading down her frail shoulders.
Brandan turned on the light, walked in, placed the dinner tray on the side table, and stood there watching her for a moment. Then he walked over and spoke softly to Iris, "Iris, it's time to eat."
Iris didn't move, as if she had fallen asleep. The room was so quiet that one could hear the sound of wild insects chirping outside the window.
Brandan pressed his lips slightly, "Iris Harris, there's no need to take it out on yourself."
Iris burst out laughing and looked up at him, her expression tinged with mockery.
"Brandan Hyde, just how narcissistic are you?" she retorted coldly, "I don't want to eat. Just leave me alone."
This side of Iris made Brandan feel a bit agitated.
