Taxis were scarce at this hour, and she wasn't in the mindset to seek one. Instead, she walked to a nearby 24-hour pharmacy.

Inside, she purchased a box of morning-after pills. The cashier glanced at her with a mix of concern and curiosity, seeing Melissa's disheveled appearance.

It seemed to the cashier that Melissa had probably been assaulted.

The cashier offered Melissa a glass of warm water, which she gratefully accepted. The cashier, a mother in her forties, felt a pang of sympathy as Melissa swallowed the pill.

Yet, being strangers, she held back from saying more.

As Melissa stepped outside, the sky began to lighten. She wandered the streets aimlessly, her body occasionally sprayed with mud from passing cars.

She hardly noticed.

Her aimless walk continued, not returning to the hotel until the dawn softened. Hunger and fatigue weighed on her, but sleep eluded her.

Instead, she retrieved a diary and birth certificate from her luggage, poring over them repeatedly.

Then, in a decisive act, she set them alight.

Going forward, her identity would remain a mystery to everyone, Marcus included.

These burning pages ensured her identity, including her connection to Marcus, would remain a secret. Afterwards, Melissa curled up on the small bed, the quilt drawn tightly around her.

Sleep finally came, bringing with it a dream of the past. She was a cared-for child again, longing to confess her affection for Marcus.

Awakening, her eyes were cool, and tear-streaked.

Melissa sat in silence, slowly wiping away her tears. She resolved not to dwell in sadness. Love was one thing; life, another.

To her, Marcus was now like a distant moon, unattainable and not to be pondered upon.

She phoned the breakfast shop owner in Warsew. The proprietress, sensing Melissa's ordeal, offered no questions. She simply welcomed Melissa back to work.

Melissa's thanks came softly, tinged with relief.

After a pause, the proprietress advised, “Don't overthink. Your job awaits your return."

Melissa had planned to return to Warsew that afternoon, but her departure was unexpectedly delayed.