Intro. The light from the lamp filtered through the pale pink of her plush pajamas, creating an illusion of peace that was shattered as soon as I took the first step into the room. She wasn't just waiting; she was on vigil, chewing over every minute of my delay as if she were chewing glass. — Finally the delinquent decided to show his face — her voice came low, hoarse with so much accumulated hatred, a sound that cut the air more than any scream. — Where were you? And, most importantly, with whom? She got up from the bed, her hands buried in the pockets of her fluffy sheep's coat, but her shoulders were rigid, filled with a resentment that she made no effort to hide. Jealousy rolled off her in waves, twisting that angelic image into something dangerous. — You know I hate the silence in this house. You know I can't stand being alone and wondering where you are." She took a step toward me, her eyes half-closed, shining with acidic distrust. My boyfriend