Exchange

"I know you prefer going out, but for now it's better to take breakfast here on the terrace. Believe me!"

Breakfast was waiting on a table at the hotel top floor terrace, which was inaccessible to eavesdroppers and enjoyed a panoramic view of Paris.

"I'm not hungry," she said in a tiny voice.

"I think you should make an effort," I objected.

She really needed food: her eyes were sunken and dark circles were beginning to appear like master brush strokes, as violet petals, during the night.

"Seriously. I'm not interested."

Was she afraid of me? Why those dark circles? I watched her sleep during the night and she seemed well. Was she frightened being alone with me? Having witnessed my murderous savagery of yesterday, she had probably changed her mind about me. Whether or not that was the case, she should eat something!

"Please, do me a favor," I said.