Chapter 99

• Alfie let out a deep sigh, stroking Vira's hair. She was asleep in his lap, having cried herself to sleep. He felt sorry for her; her eyes were swollen, and her face looked so sad. Even in her sleep, she occasionally hiccuped, the pain still evident.
• The Vira he knew was cheerful and full of life. She always sought new experiences and was open about her feelings. But Alfie had noticed a change in her. Even without words, he sensed she carried a heavy burden.
• He'd found her earlier in the McIntosh Tower parking lot, sobbing uncontrollably. He still didn't know the reason for her tears, but he suspected it. She often called him when she felt down, and it was always her father who was the cause of her distress.