Hannah and Oscar went home together, Theodore joining them in their car. Manuel and Susan took a chauffeured car. Susan, thoroughly intoxicated, felt dizzy. "Bro, I can drink more. Let's go somewhere else," she mumbled.

Manuel had never seen anyone act this way after drinking. He thought it unique, perhaps even unparalleled. Susan was noisy throughout the ride. Finally, they arrived. The chauffeur helped Manuel into his electric wheelchair, then assisted Susan, placing her in Manuel's arms. Too drunk to support herself, she leaned against him passively.

Manuel found himself cherishing the moment. He carried Susan inside. Tia rushed forward. "Mr. Johnson, is Mrs. Johnson drunk?"

"Yes. Help her to her room."

"Yes," Tia replied, following Manuel.

In Susan's room, as Tia prepared to help Susan rest, Susan pushed her away and rushed to the bathroom, vomiting violently. They watched her huddle against the toilet, retching uncontrollably.

"How much did Mrs. Johnson drink? She's vomiting a great deal," Tia asked worriedly. She had drunk a lot, but not enough to explain her extreme intoxication. Manuel knew her drinking capacity well; this level of inebriation was unusual.

Susan continued to vomit.

"Get her some honey water," Manuel instructed Tia.

"Okay," Tia nodded, leaving the room.

Manuel edged closer to Susan, gently rubbing her back. Susan vomited again. Afterward, she groaned, "I feel like I'm dying."

"Are you feeling that bad? Should we go to the hospital?" Manuel asked softly. Her pale face worried him deeply.

Tia returned with honey water. "Mrs. Johnson, drink this, you'll feel better."

Susan looked up, took a sip, and immediately spat it out.

"How much did she drink?" Tia exclaimed, anxious.

Manuel decided firmly, "I'm taking you to the hospital."

"No," Susan said after another bout of vomiting, "I want to sleep." She stood, swaying unsteadily. Manuel and Tia rushed to support her.

Once steadied, she pushed them away, walked to the bed, and lay down, closing her eyes. Manuel and Tia watched, unsure what to do.

"Let me help her wash her face," Tia suggested.

Manuel nodded, then added, "I'll do it. It's late; you should rest."

Tia, though not tired, sensed Manuel's desire to be with Susan. "Let me know if you need help," she said, leaving.

Manuel wheeled to Susan's bed. Her sleeping position was far from elegant. He helped her remove her coat, revealing a formal white shirt beneath. It seemed uncomfortable. He hesitated, then decided to remove it. He had already seen her naked; he simply wanted her to be comfortable. He unbuttoned her shirt.

He noticed bruises beneath the shirt, mirroring his own from that night. He quickly undressed her, changing her into pajamas, then wiped her face, hands, and feet with a warm towel before tucking her in.

He sighed, relaxing, and turned to leave. He heard Susan murmur, "Water. I want some water…"

"Honey water or plain water?" he asked.

"Water. I want some water…"

Remembering her reaction to the honey water, he fetched a glass of warm water. He maneuvered himself onto the bed and helped her sit up. Leaning weakly against him, she drank.

Thirsty, she finished the glass.

"More?" he offered.

She shook her head. As he set the glass down, she grasped his arm, murmuring, "Sleep beside me tonight."

Manuel felt tense. His Adam's apple bobbed. He thought he'd misheard, but she repeated, "I want you to sleep beside me," her voice tinged with pleading. He controlled his emotions, murmuring a low, "Fine," fearing he might overwhelm her.

Satisfied, she released his arm and lay down. He slowly lay beside her, intending to stay until she slept, then shower and return. He watched her peaceful sleep; asleep, she didn't repel him.

He found it difficult to restrain himself. He'd thought sharing a bed was enough, but now he longed to touch her face. Before he realized it, his fingers were on her cheek. It was the first time she felt so close, so reachable.

He remembered their first meeting—he'd been with his mother, visiting Edward, and met Susan with her father. He'd thought her adorable, like a little apple, and yearned to touch her face. After all these years, his wish had come true.