EPISODE 42

KEILAH

As Ralph's deep voice broke the silence, I couldn't help but feel a knot tighten in my stomach. What could he possibly want to talk about at this hour? Oh, of course, there's a lot to talk about. But can't he wait for tomorrow? I grumbled inwardly.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I sat upright and hesitantly shifted closer to him, feeling the warmth of his body radiating against my skin. His presence was both comforting and unnerving, like standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure if I would fall or find solid ground beneath me.

With a trembling breath, I spoke, my voice barely above a whisper. "Can't we talk tomorrow? I'm not feeling well and need to rest."

He turned to face me, his expression unreadable in the dim light filtering through the curtains. His eyes bore into mine, searching for something I couldn't quite decipher. "I need to apologize," he began, his voice heavy with sincerity. "For everything that's happened between us, for the way I've treated you."

I blinked i