before project b.h. [Part 9] - Loneliness and guilt

Two months had passed since William separated with Maria.

Maria was currently at home, sitting on the couch watching television on a quiet evening, munching on snacks from the table beside her.

"Mom, has Dad not come home yet?"

"You haven't been told? Your father has work out of town, it seems he won't be back for a while," her mother replied from the kitchen, washing the dishes after dinner.

"Oh, so suddenly."

"That's how work is."

"Mom, you're not worried? He might be out drinking with another woman right now," Maria tried to tease her mother.

"No, why would I worry?"

Maria was slightly surprised, but there was a sense of relief and joy, she smiled even as she replied, "Mom, you're such a strange person."