“Need me to brush your teeth for you?” His voice snapped Debbie back to her senses. She looked at


    her messy hair in the mirror, and then turned to Carlos, who was already in his suit. Like being hit with


    a p, she was able to take full stock of the situation.


    “No, I’m good. When did you get up? I had no clue. Has everyone gone?”


    “Yeah. They’re on their way to Alorith. I’ve been up for 3 hours already.” He answered her questions


    patiently and helped her squeeze the toothpaste onto her brush.


    She sshed some water on her face, and took over her toothbrush.


    “Don’t worry. I’ll be quick.”


    “No rush. I’ll wait in the dining room.”


    Carlos left and checked the time before he started working-it was 10:05 a.m.


    After brushing her teeth and washing her face, Debbie began her morning skin care routine. First, a


    skin toner to get rid of excess dirt, traces of oil and makeup, and correct and bnce the pH of her


    skin.


    She also didn’t want e. Then, an antioxidant serum to neutralize sun damage. Finally, an eye cream


    and moisturizer. She followed this routine dutifully-Carlos wanted her to look radiant. At thest, she


    changed her clothes.


    When she showed up in the dining room, it was already 10:45 a.m.


    Although Carlos was patient, he was a Little stunned and confused. ‘She said she would be quick, but it


    still took 4@ minutes.


    If she hadn’t rushed, how Long would it have been?’ He closed the Lid on hisptop and walked up to


    his wife, who was shoveling food into her mouth, devouring her breakfast like a wolf devouring its kill.


    “Take your time. Don’t choke.”


    Debbie paused and asked, “You ate already?”


    “Yeah. But I can join you if you want.” He sat opposite her, picked up a boiled egg, and began to peel it.


    Watching him was fascinating, because he was so good at it. He rolled the egg on the table to form


    cracks all over the shell, and then he squeezed the ends. The result was that the shell slid off in a few


    seconds, and created a minimum of mess.


    When Debbie finished her breakfast, she was quite full. She stood up from her seat, but Carlos picked


    up thest waffle and lifted it to her lips.


    She rubbed her tummy andined, “I thought you were eating too, but I pigged out on this.” All he


    had done was put food onto her te.


    He had only taken a bite or two.


    “Full?” he asked.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Debbie nodded immediately. As if she was afraid that he didn’t trust her, she lifted her sweater and


    showed him her big belly.


    “People might think I’m pregnant,” she mumbled, pouting her lips


    “Who cares what they think?” Carlos cleaned his hands with a wet napkin and stood next to her.


    “No! I’m still a student. If you get me pregnant, I won’t forgive you!”


    Debbie threatened Carlos with burning eyes


    Not until then did Debbie realize something very important. She raised her fists and beat his chest


    repeatedly.