In the dimly lit corner outside the bedroom hallway, Rufus Swallow leaned, smoking a cigarette.
The air was filled with a faint smell of smoke, and the place where Rufus Swallow was standing was littered with a thin layer of ash. He had been standing here all day long without moving much.
He waited until Norris Moore woke up.
Tilly Flower walked over and said to Rufus Swallow, "She's woken up. Ava is with her for dinner. She doesn't want to see you now, you should go."
Rufus Swallow closed his eyes and took a shallow breath with his head leaning against the wall. His expression showed extreme patience, as if he wanted to go inside to see Norris but didn't dare to.
"Tilly,"
"Hm?"
"I deeply regret."
"..." Tilly raised her eyes to look at his expression, then whispered, "I know..."
*
