Chapter 31.

Noah shrugged and answered: "I'm afraid 12 all I can tell you right now."

Mariella: "Then I guess I won't be able to sleep tonight."

Noah: "Maybe you should try to relax. Take a bubble bath or something. There's a lot of stress in your life right now and you deserve some time to unwind."

Mariella: "I suppose I could use a break."

Noah: "Would you like to go for a walk in the park?"

Mariella: "A walk sounds good."

Noah: "Do you want to bring your phone?"

Mariella: "Not right now."

Noah: "Okay, see you soon."

Noah stood up and followed Mariella toward the front door. As they made their way through the house, Noah wondered how much longer his mother and sister would remain oblivious to the danger they were in. They seemed happy, but Noah suspected that the two women spent most of their free time planning their escape rather than enjoying their newfound freedom. Noah's concern grew as he thought about the possibility that Mr Ryuku had given them a false sense of security to keep them from