Sylvia offered a comforting smile. “It's normal for a young girl to be a bit willful."

Suddenly, Marcus found himself thinking of Melissa. Had she ever had the opportunity to express her emotions freely, to throw a tantrum when she was sad or angry? He imagined her living a restrained life, always holding back.

As the workers replaced the carpet, Marcus continued to mull over his thoughts.

He didn't reach out to Melissa all day, pondering the idea of giving her the space to grow and make her own decisions, much like what Albert did. Perhaps by granting her the freedom to choose, she might reconsider and love him again.

After all, their night together meant more to him than just a one-night stand.