With a resigned smile, she said, “I just phoned in to take the day off. I'm not going to work today."

Nelson handed her a glass of water and sat next to her, asking gently, “Feeling any better?"

Annis nodded.

After a brief pause, she inquired, “Is the wound serious?"

Nelson was puzzled.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

Annis was taken aback, thinking Nelson was feigning ignorance. She bit her lip and challenged, "Dad, are you pretending?”

Nelson felt wronged as he said, "I really don't know what you mean."

Annis couldn't bring herself to admit that she had bitten Alick.

She decided to forget about it and stood up.

Nelson was stunned, unable to understand her reaction.

Didn't she make it clear?

Why did she act as if it were his fault?

Nelson followed her and asked, “What are you getting at? Is this about Alick? What happened to him? What wound is it?"

"It's nothing, Dad," she said with a smile. "I was just asking out of curiosity. It must be just a minor injury so he didn't want you to know."

Nelson nodded, though he was still unsure.

Turning to Nelson, Annis asked, “Dad, do you know where Alick lives?"

"Rieth Hotel," Nelson answered quickly.

"Okay." With that, Annis went upstairs.

Nelson thought Annis was on her way to see Alick. But then, why had she returned to her room?