Chapter 9: Loud meets Maribel’s dad

Note: Statements in () are translated from the French language.

She stopped walking and faced me, she looked too serious, lacking a single smile, and her eyes glazed over. I knew I needed to stop talking or change the topic, and to stop talking did not sound to me like the best option. I needed to talk about something riveting, something to restore smiles to her face.

We began climbing the most beautiful staircase I had ever set my eyes on. The staircase had purple lights illuminating from the risers and threads, the banister and handrail had gold filigree all over it, and there was a large mirror with an ornate gold frame on the wall at the landing.

(Hey! Why are we going upstairs? I know your guest room is downstairs.)

(We are going to my dad's room to say hello to my dad.)

(Oh! Really? H