"Not half as happy as we are to have you," Carrick replied, pulling me into another quick hug.
As we separated, I suddenly felt a strange tightening sensation in my stomach. It wasn't pain exactly. It was more like a knot I couldn't quite understand. I placed a hand on my abdomen, trying to decipher the feeling.
What's happening to me? I asked myself.
Carrick noticed and frowned slightly. "You okay, darling? You look a little pale right now."
I quickly shook my head and forced another smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… a lot to adjust to, perhaps?"
Carrick studied me for a moment longer, then nodded. "Alright. But don't think I won't fuss over you if I think you're overworking yourself, understood?"
"Understood," I said with a soft laugh.
Later on, I threw myself into my work as though it could drown out the memories that haunted me. By day, I worked tirelessly in the massage parlor, my hands kneading clients' bodies expertly.
