Buddha says, "A hermit should not stay for three nights under a mulberry tree, lest he grow too fond of the world of the living and its mortal attachments." Even when staying beneath a mulberry tree for three times can foster affection, how much more so with people?
She and Rico Clark could be considered to have shared a father-daughter bond over two lifetimes. Under one roof, they had lived as a family for so long—so why did she not feel overwhelmed with grief upon hearing of his fatal illness? Was this not too callous?
Kiara's dilemma was just this.
She turned on the TV and caught a news story about a little girl who had been abused by her stepfather. Even with the image pixelated, the child's battered form was apparent. Kiara felt uncomfortable at the sight and went to the bathroom to wash her hands.
After washing for quite a while without feeling better, she looked up and was startled by Yuzo Joel standing in the doorway.
"How did you get in!"
