She sat on the bed, the exact spot where Richard was seated some minutes before they walked in. Then, she reached out and rubbed her daughter’s right hand. “ Tell us what Happened, Honey” She urged.

Elise looked at Richard. He avoided her eyes and glanced out of the window next to him.

“I don’t know, Mum” Elise replied in a low voice.

“Where you doing any physically straining activity when you passes out?” Her father asked. He had his arms behind him as he looked at her closely.

She shook her head. “I was only about to make breakfast for Richard and I”

“So, he wasn’t there?” Elise’s mother asked with a sneer ad she looked over her shoulder at Richard.

“Mum” Elise whined. “Does it matter?”

“Yes!” Her mother shot at her. “I did not allow you to move in with Richard only to end up doing kitchen work. Have you forgotten who you are, Elise Rodriguez?”

The room was quiet.

James was now seated on the only chair in the room. He had his arm draped over his face and his lips moved silently.