42 -B

Arya looked at me with a warm smile, as if, everything would be all right. However, my distress signal sounded too loud. I know my presumptuous words won't make me feel good.

"Nilam, Pa... Arya's friend," he answered.

"Apparently, she's not from among us."

"Pa—"

"Just now, what did you say?"

I swallowed my saliva stuck in my throat. Papa Arya's gaze was terrible, and it reminded me of Mrs. Marita. Should I say what's on my mind? Then, I have to think of Papa Arya as Mrs. Marita and now I'm explaining one of my paper assignments in front of the class.