Whispers of Hope

Previously: 

Bai placed a reassuring hand on Lai's shoulder, "We will, Lai. I promise."

"My dad could be alive somewhere," she choked, tears forming in her eyes, "Scared, restless, maybe even on the verge of death-" 

"We'll find him, Lai," Bai told her, gently pulling her into his embrace as she started weeping, "I will do whatever it takes to find him. I promise."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The hum of the office gradually subsided as the workday was about to draw to a close in a few hours. Lai was busy gathering her thoughts, her fingers lightly tapping on the edge of her desk. Bai engrossed in a stack of papers, looked up as Lai cleared her throat.

"Bai," she began, her voice steady but filled with a vulnerability that surprised even her, "I need to ask for a small favour."

Bai peered over his laptop, his eyes meeting hers with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Of course, Lai," he nodded, "What is it? Is everything okay?"