Joseph felt warm suddenly. He held her hand, kissing her forehead. His voice was soft but firm, "Listen to me. Just have a rest. Do not follow me."
And then he released her and went downstairs.
After a little while, the door of the hallway was opened and closed again. All the quarrels and noise disappeared as they went away.
The room was quiet again.
Irish stood on the second floor alone.
There was still egg-yellow light surrounding her, and then she heard the sound of the clock beating.
It was so quiet.
There was the buzz around her, instead. All in her mind were Jordan's sharp scolding and Joseph's cold expressions. They left, and there was only quietness left. What about Hampton?
Irish felt more anxious. She changed her clothes, regardless of Joseph's warning.
****
After crossing the boisterous Madison Avenue, other streets were tranquil.
