Bennett helped her get dressed, gently guiding her out before placing her on the bed. With a towel in hand, he proceeded to tenderly dry her dampened hair.

Resting her head on his shoulder, Claudia's body felt like jelly, devoid of muscles and bones.

The weariness settled in, rendering her both sleepy and lethargic. As she lay on the bed, Bennett's voice reached her ears. He was saying something to her.

With a sniff, Claudia said pitifully, "No!"

Undeterred, Bennett smiled silently before disappearing into the bathroom to retrieve a hairdryer.