Days passed, and I kept seeing Anthony in my room. Sometimes, he would greet me, but mostly, he just stood by the side of the bed, staring at me like I was a beautiful piece of art.
I didn’t find it odd or problematic. I let him stare.
He always had a habit of staring at my face. In the university canteen, not a second would pass without him gazing at me. If I told him to stop, he’d just shake his head, smile, and say, “I’m afraid I’ll lose sight of you, Azora.”
After that, I never stopped him again. I let him indulge in his habit of staring. And inside that room, he continued to look at my face.
So, I stared back at him. Lying on my side, I looked at Anthony standing by the bed. Before I knew it, I fell asleep watching him.
When I woke up, I saw a maid placing a tray of food on the bedside table. Noticing I was awake, she turned to me and bowed. “Your lunch is here, Miss,” she said.
I sat up and looked around. Anthony was gone. “Where’s Anthony?” I asked softly.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the maid shift uncomfortably. “A-Anthony, Miss?”
I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head. “Never mind. You may go.”
But the maid just stood there, some distance from the bedside table. I looked at her, and it seemed like she wanted to say something but couldn’t.
I frowned. “Do you want to say something?” I asked.
“Ah… Miss, I’ve noticed that for the past few days, it seems like you’re talking to someone.”
“Talking to someone?” I blinked. Then I remembered the times Anthony was in the room while the maid brought the food tray. I couldn’t help but talk to Anthony while she was around.
I chewed my lip. “Was I talking to someone?” I asked.
She nodded and lowered her gaze. “It seemed like you were talking to someone. I just noticed, Miss. Please don’t take it the wrong way.”
I smiled cheekily. “It’s none of your business, okay?”
She nodded quickly. “Yes, Miss. I’ll leave now.” She turned and hurried out of the room.
Just as she was about to close the door, I saw Anthony’s silhouette walking in from the balcony. “Anthony,” I greeted him.
“Azora,” he replied.
I giggled. “You left me again,” I said, pouting and crossing my arms, which made him chuckle.
Then I heard the door slam shut. I winced, my heart racing from the sudden noise. But I smiled when Anthony stood by the bed.
“Where were you?” I asked again, but he just smiled. I sighed and leaned on the headboard. “Can you…” I trailed off.
Anthony shook his head. I pouted again. I wanted to ask if he could take the tray, but I knew he couldn’t.
I moved to the edge of the bed and picked up the food tray. I didn’t ask if he wanted to eat. He didn’t speak, just stood there, eyes fixed on my face.
“You know…” I chewed and swallowed. I looked at Anthony. “Dad killed you.”
But his expression didn’t change. He remained serious, but not angry. I stared at him. “Aren’t you mad at me?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No. Why would I be mad at you, Azora?”
“Dad killed you,” I repeated.
He smiled. “I love you.”
I gave up. I placed the tray on the bedside table and looked at Anthony. He was just there, waiting for something, looking content. He wasn’t angry.
I cleared my throat. “You love me so much that you’re not mad at me because of what Dad did to you?”
“You’re the only girl I want, Azora. Don’t leave me.”
I bit my lip and stared at him. Tears brimmed in my eyes. “You’re not really here, are you? I’m just imagining you.”
“Do you want to go for a walk?” he asked.
I closed my eyes as tears streamed down my cheeks. “I-I’m sorry…”
I cried for several minutes, and when I looked up, Anthony was gone. Maybe I was imagining things. Maybe I was losing my mind. Maybe I was that lonely. Maybe I was… insane.
Then the door burst open, and Simmy entered the room. She looked at me with a raised brow. It was the first time in days that she had stepped inside.
She took a deep breath. “Are you with someone, Azora?” she asked, her voice firm and angry.
I nodded. “Anthony was here.”
Simmy squinted her eyes and laughed harshly. “Are you joking? Anthony Clasiso is dead.” She scanned the room and signaled to two maids outside the door. “Search the whole room. See if anyone is hiding.”
The maids entered, and I looked away, leaning on the headboard. I let them search. There was no one to hide. They already knew Japen was here, but he had gone far away now. There was nothing to worry about.
After about ten minutes, the two maids stood in front of Simmy, eyes on the floor.
One of the maids said, “There’s no one in this room but Miss Azora, Madam.”
I looked at Simmy. She looked at me too, eyes squinting, studying me. I held my gaze, making sure my expression was serious and cold. I dared not look away or let her see I was affected or afraid. I was done with Simmy. I didn’t care what she was planning. As if I could stop her.
I was just… tired. Tired of everything.