The grandmother's gaze softened as she spoke, her love for her only granddaughter evident in her words. "I appreciate your concern, Claude. After Kathy's parents passed away, I've been preoccupied with the family business, and perhaps I've neglected her in ways I didn't intend."
Claude could sense the weight of her words, the guilt that lay beneath them. "Grandma, I understand that you've had a lot on your plate, and I don't believe it's solely your responsibility to look after Kathy. But rest assured, I'm here to help and support her in any way I can."
She sighed, her wrinkled hands folding neatly in her lap. "You are a reliable and serious young man.. I can't help but wish that one day, you and Kathy find happiness together. But it's her decision, and I won't press the matter."
Claude offered a sincere smile. "I appreciate your kind words, Grandma. My primary concern is Kathy's well-being, and I'll do my best to ensure she gets back on track."
The grandmother's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief as she continued, "I'm glad to hear that, Claude. I hope you will be a positive influence in her life. She values your opinion more than she might let on."
"Claude, Kathy is in her room. She's been avoiding meeting anyone, including me. She isn't eating well and is neglecting her health. I fear she's not taking this situation well. Could you please go to her room and check on her? She might open up to you."
Claude nodded in agreement, acknowledging the gravity of the task at hand. "Of course, Grandma . I'll go see Kathy and try to convince her to take better care of herself. Thank you for trusting me with this responsibility."
Claude headed for Katherine's room. He stopped in front of her door, took a deep breath, and gave it a soft knock. Initially, there was no answer, and he began to worry she might not be in. He tried another knock, but still no response. Clearing his throat, he called out, "Hey, Kathy, it's me."
After a brief pause, the door squeaked open.
There stood Katherine, rocking her PJs and a messy bun on her head. Her room, on the other hand, was a disaster zone. There were chips scattered across her bed, a K-drama playing on the TV, and clothes strewn all over the floor. It looked like a mini tornado had taken a whirl through her room. Yet, Katherine didn't appear the least bit embarrassed.
She waved him in, moving aside some stuff to make room on her bed. She tapped the spot beside her, inviting him to join in watching the K-drama. However, he remained still, probably worried about the room's hygiene.
As he entered, Katherine half-heartedly began to tidy up the place, making a little space for him. She patted the empty spot on the bed, insisting he should sit with her. She was unfazed by the mess, acting as if it were business as usual. Claude, though, sighed inwardly, realizing that breaking through her resistance wouldn't be as easy as he thought.
Nevertheless, he was on a mission, and the room's chaos wasn't going to deter him. He had an issue to address.
He pulled out his phone and gave her a meaningful look. "Hey, Kathy, my parents are getting all worked up about you. It's been a month, and you haven't shown up for college."
Katherine, still glued to the TV, responded nonchalantly, "I'm too busy watching TV , Claude."
Claude felt his temples pulsate, and he couldn't help but get a little frustrated. He desperately wanted to help her, but it looked like he had an uphill battle ahead. With a mix of love and patience, he tried to convince her of the importance of college and her future.
But Katherine was adamant. She wasn't in any hurry to change her routine, even if it meant missing out on her education. She didn't see the urgency, not one bit.
Claude didn't give up, knowing that giving up wasn't an option. After a series of arguments and a promise to take her to an amusement park next weekend, Katherine finally caved. She gave him a big hug, leaving Claude a bit stunned, but he regained his composure.
Satisfied, he patted her head and headed for the door. As he left the room, Katherine wondered if he'd come back soon. Claude nodded, and she let him go with a touch of reluctance.
Out of her sight, Katherine lay back on her bed, caught in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She was relieved that Claude hadn't brought up her arrest, as she was too embarrassed to bring up the subject herself, despite knowing he was already aware of it. That conversation was a hurdle she wasn't ready to tackle just yet.
Her love for Claude was no secret, and she wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to him. Her decision to attend the same college where he had graduated was a clear reflection of her affection and admiration for him. The reason Katherine had chosen this particular college was no secret. Her love for Claude was no secret, and she wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to him. Her decision to attend the same college where he had graduated was a clear reflection of her affection and admiration for him. Her affection for him was far from subtle. She loved him with an unabashed and fearless intensity. For Katherine, love was a force that couldn't be contained.
With Claude dominating her thoughts, Katherine had made her decision. It was time to get back on track, pack her college supplies, and face the world outside her room. Love was her motivation, and with Claude as her muse, she was prepared to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead with newfound determination and a sense of purpose.
......
It was a sunny Monday morning, and it marked Kathy's first day at Green Hills College. She strolled onto the campus in a white cottage dress, her wavy hair crowned by a white pearl hairband. Her bright, subtly made-up face and rose-tinted lips turned heads, and she was fully aware of it. Mischievous and charming, Kathy had always known how to use her allure to her advantage. But today, she paid no heed to the people around her. From a young age, she had cared about very few, and they could be counted on one hand.
As she navigated the campus, it felt like a maze, and she soon found herself lost. Annoyed, she tried using Google Maps – yes, Google Maps – but, as luck would have it, she failed once again. Just as she contemplated calling Claude, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air, sending shivers down her spine echoing from one of the building's rooms in the desolate area where she stood. Kathy considered ignoring it , chalking it up to the usual campus shenanigans. However, when the sound pierced the air once more, it was evident that something wasn't right. It sounded like someone was in serious trouble.
Unable to resist her curiosity and concern, Kathy followed the chilling sounds and found herself standing outside a closed door. It was the source of the horrifying screams. Her heart raced as she hesitantly pushed open the door and came face to face with a gruesome sight – a young girl lay lifeless in a pool of blood.
Kathy froze in shock. Before she could react, someone shoved her from behind, causing her to tumble into the blood-soaked room alongside the victim. She could hardly believe what she was seeing. She was terrified, and the blood on her hands only intensified her horror. With trembling fingers, she tried to call Claude, but her efforts were in vain. Just as the call failed to connect, a janitor arrived on the scene and spotted Kathy with the victim.
The janitor promptly alerted the authorities, and Kathy found herself face to face with someone she detested – Detective Steve. He sat in an office with a self-assured smirk on his face and waved casually as Kathy was ushered in. "We meet again, Kathy."
Kathy was taken aback. "You?" she muttered
Steve chuckled as he leaned back in his chair. "So, this time, you've upgraded your offense, huh? From not paying for cookies to straight-up murder. Quite the leap, Kathy."