ALL she could discern were raindrops upon the window, distorting her view.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation. “Tyrone, what are you up to?"

“I don't know how else to prove my innocence, so this is the only method I could think of..."

"You..."

Sabrina's frustration was palpable. “Are you trying to intimidate me?"

"I didn't mean it that way..."

"Whatever!"

Sabrina terminated the call abruptly, tossing her phone onto the table before heading to the kitchen to prepare a meal.

Suddenly, the sound of a door swinging open resonated through the house.

Sabrina peered out and spotted Bettie with her suitcase. “Sabrina, I'm back!"

“Welcome back, Bettie! Have you eaten?"

Observing Sabrina in the kitchen, Bettie raised her hand and replied, “I haven't had dinner yet. Would you mind making something for me?"

"Okay!"

Sabrina set the water to boil and placed the meal within.

The hot water splashed onto her fingers.

Hiss! Sabrina reflexively shook her hand and blew on it.

Bettie entered the kitchen and cast a concerned glance at Sabrina.

She inquired, “What happened? Did you burn your hand?"

“It's nothing.

“You weren't prone to making such careless errors before," Bettie commented with an undertone of significance.