Helen noticed his sudden sweating and tilted her head in concern, her eyes searching his. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with worry.
"Yes, I am," Junior quickly replied, pulling out a handkerchief to dab the sweat from his forehead, trying to appear composed. But his heart pounded like a drum, each beat echoing the fear creeping up his spine.
Rebecca and Susan stood chatting in the hallway, oblivious to the pair approaching. The soft hum of their conversation filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of fresh flowers from a nearby vase.
Suddenly, Rebecca turned her head and spotted Junior walking beside Helen. Her eyes widened, and she shouted, "Brother!" The outburst startled Susan, who quickly followed Rebecca's gaze and saw Junior and Helen.
