Dizzying cunning

At 9 p.m. ...

Damian parked his black trail motorcycle behind Valerie's house, then took off his red helmet and shook his somewhat messy hair. He immediately got off, removed the keys, and tucked them into his black robe before heading towards the back door.

"Maybe Daniel isn't asleep yet," he thought to himself, raising his hand to knock on the door, but it swung open before he could.

He smiled at Valerie. "Hey ..."

Valerie remained silent with her blank stare, then turned and walked inside.

"What's wrong?" Damian furrowed his brows, immediately following Valerie into the living room and stopping by the sofa.

Glancing around the quiet room, he thought Daniel must have been asleep while Hannah secluded herself in her room to rest.

"I thought our son was still awake," he said, sitting next to Valerie.

"He was asleep earlier," Valerie replied without looking at him.