CHAPTER THIRTY

"My whole life has been a lie," she said, sobbing. A loud knock hit the door, a rude interruption to their discussion. It was Martins. One of the loose cotton shirts hung freely on his body. He stared at a downcast Ashley who was still sobbing at the corner on a thick sofa inflated with newness.

"Yes?" Kelvin asked.

"I came to see Ashley," Martins said.

Kelvin looked back as though seeking permission and quickly looked back at Martins.

"She doesn't want to see you. She came here because she needs comforting and I doubt she can get that from you." Martins probed his long fingers, one of them with a ring. He stared at Ashley who looked away and laid down, facing her thoughts and pain towards the seat.