But Debbie just Lowered her head without saying a word.

Sensing something was off, Irene turned to look at Piggy.

“Piggy, how are you feeling today? Are you feeling better?"

Holding a Barbie doll, Piggy nodded and answered softly, "Aunt Irene,

I'm feeling great."

“Sweet girl. Piggy, tell Aunt Irene, what's wrong with your mommy?"

Piggy shook her head.

“I don't know. Mommy has been acting Like this all morning. She even called Aunt Ruby to ask for a leave."

Upon hearing that, Irene put Piggy back on the carpet and turned to

Debbie.

"Deb, something must have happened to you. Since I knew you, you've always been a work freak. Is what I'm hearing true?"

Playing with her phone now, Debbie asked casually, “When will your brother come back?"

"Darling, I have no idea. My brother is one heck of a strange man who keeps to himself most of the time."

Hearing that, Debbie dialed Ivan's number.

Irene watched the name on Debbie's screen and wondered what she was about to ask him.

“Hi, Debbie," Ivan's voice came from the other end of the Line.

After a short pause, Debbie blurted out, "Do you know... Carlos showed oa”

All along, she had never tried to explain to Ivan the scandals about her past. Carlos was a taboo subject in her mind. She couldn't afford to mention his name.

Ivan was stunned. For a moment, he wondered what was on Debbie's mind.

“Can you help me investigate what he has been up to for the past three years?" she inquired.

"Okay."

"And..." She paused for a while before adding, "I want to take some time off.

I need to go back to Alorith."

Ivan was nothing if not efficient. By lunchtime, Debbie got the phone call she was expecting. Irene was playing with Piggy in the bedroom.

“Hi, Ivan," Debbie said, as she plugged her earbuds into the phone. It was so much easier to talk hands free.