Izla opened her eyes to a soft knocking at the door. She was puzzled; it was still early, and she wasn't used to visitors at such an hour. Who could it be, disturbing her peace at this time? She got up in a panic and opened the door. No sooner had she done so than a man stepped inside, a broad smile lighting up his face as he said:
"Hello, cousin! Let me introduce myself—I'm George. I came running from far away as soon as I heard about your arrival."
Izla replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Thank you for that. But didn't you come because you miss your mother? Her heart has been burning with longing for you."
George responded, "Of course, I missed my mother. But that doesn't mean I wasn't also eager to meet a family member who has been missing."
Izla remarked, "It seems you're someone who enjoys joking around."
George grinned and replied, "That's just who I am. My mother always calls me a failure because of it. She wishes I were more serious and strict, as if life is only about that."
Izla was taken aback by his candidness. "There's nothing wrong with living the way you like," she said, "but that doesn't mean you shouldn't fulfill your mother's wishes."
George looked at her, surprised by her response. He hadn't expected such words from his cousin. He sighed and said, "Even you? I've had enough of my mother's advice. But I'll bear with yours, since you're so charming. I never imagined I'd have such a beautiful cousin."
She laughed lightly and said, "Not to that extent. Anyway, George, let's go down to see my aunt and have breakfast with her. She loves having company at the table."
George smirked. "Smart and evasive, I see. But where do you think you're running? You're already caught in the trap."
Izla raised an eyebrow at his words but chose to ignore them. Her mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with her work and the absence of her beloved, who was unusually late that morning.
They sat down for breakfast, but Izla's thoughts were distracted. She kept glancing at the door, hoping the bell would ring. When her patience finally wore thin, she picked up her phone and called him. His voice on the other end was weak, and her heart sank with worry as he explained that he was unwell and running a high fever.
She couldn't sit still any longer. Memories of her father's illness and her struggles during that time came rushing back, filling her with dread. She quickly grabbed her coat, throwing it on hastily, and ran out into the street like someone lost.
By chance, a taxi was passing nearby. She flagged it down and climbed in, her mind racing, until she found herself at his doorstep.