CHAPTER 85

  "Why in the world are you dragging me towards the orchard, Mona?" Sansan whined, trying to wiggle her hand out of Mona's hold.

  Mona turned to look at her excitedly, "please, San, we are almost there. I got Mark's letter, and I would love to read it with you here."

  Sansan sighed, sucking her teeth. "That is just pure torment. Why would you read your lover's message to my ears? Are you trying to remind me of my horrible fate?"

  Mona was laughing as she dragged her to sit on the grass. She ignored Sansan's laments and opened the letter that a guard had brought her in the early morning hours. For two days since Mark had left, she was recuperating from the stress she put herself through. Her mind was in different places. Not hearing from him made her have different sorts of terrifying thoughts.

  *

  "Dear Mona,