The door creaked open, and Liam Johnson made space for Clara Knox to go in first.
The living room lights were on, enveloping the room in tranquility.
Liam Johnson followed in and rummaged around in the shoe cabinet for a while, pulling out a pair of new men's slippers.
"Ma'am, Director Harper has some men's shoes here. You'll have to make do with these for now. I'll buy a pair for you tomorrow."
Clara Knox stared at the slippers in a daze. She used to wear his slippers at home. Once, after a shower, she scrubbed her shoes and then put on his slippers. They never appeared at home again after that.
She was upset about it for a long time.
Clara Knox kicked off her shoes, hesitated for a moment, then walked in barefoot.
"Ma'am, Director Harper is in the bedroom."
Liam Johnson led the way to the room, where the curtains were tightly closed.
Edward Harper lay in the center of the large bed, his face flushed, and mumbled in his sleep.