After a night of conversation, neither Zoe nor Neil could sleep when they returned to their rooms. Zoe kept thinking about why the paper on the wind chime caught fire when he touched it and about Neil's traumatic accident when he was younger. Clearly, Neil did not have the peaceful and happy inner life that Zoe had thought. On the other side of the hall, Neil also lay restlessly, staring at the ceiling, wondering if Zoe had fallen asleep or was still thinking about the accident he had shared.
Eventually, their troubled minds calmed down, and both of them fell into a deep sleep as the night wore on.
Due to sleeping late, when they woke up in the early morning, sunlight gently illuminated Zoe's face, making it look radiant and soft with moist eyes and long eyelashes. Neil, who was preparing to kiss Zoe's cheek in his dream, was startled by a gentle knock at the door and a soft voice.
“Neil… Are you awake? I…”
Feeling awkward for waking someone so early, Zoe was about to withdraw when Neil, who had not yet dressed, hurried to open the door.
“Zoe… Is something wrong?”
Seeing Zoe appear embarrassed and unwilling to look at him directly, Neil suddenly remembered that he was only wearing underwear. Embarrassed, Neil quickly closed the door and then opened a small gap, awkwardly speaking through the crack.
“Sorry… Please wait a moment.”
“Okay.”
Zoe covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. She hadn’t expected to see Neil in such a vulnerable and awkward state. Zoe went to the sofa, unable to stop laughing. When Neil came out of the room, he looked at Zoe with irritation and turned away.
“Why are you laughing?”
Zoe tried hard to stop laughing but couldn’t help herself as she spoke.
“Ha… hahaha…”
“Alright, alright. My body isn’t bad either,” Neil said, trying to dismiss it with a nonchalant attitude. Finally, a smile appeared on Neil’s face when he saw Zoe so happy. He had never seen Zoe so cheerful before.
“Yes, yes, your body is great, but without clothes, you look like a mannequin advertising underwear in a fashion store,” Zoe said, trying to suppress her laughter.
“That’s not true.” Neil retorted, “My body is much better than the mannequin you mentioned. If you don’t believe me, you can touch it.”
Neil lifted his shirt to show Zoe his stomach. Zoe waved her hand, shaking her head and continuing to laugh. Neil, feeling frustrated, pulled his shirt back down. They continued to chat and laugh together.
After their amusing conversation, Neil reached out and brushed Zoe’s hair aside. Zoe looked at him with a smile and asked,
“Do you have any plans for today since it's Sunday?”
“Yes, I’m free. I actually planned to take you to the mall. Why?”
“Because I’ve been thinking about finding a job. If I don’t start earning money, I won’t be able to support myself. And if you could help me find a job, I’d be very grateful.”
Neil was surprised. He had thought Zoe was adjusting well and enjoying his time here. But Zoe’s request was unexpected. Neil hesitated, thinking that it might be too soon for Zoe to return to work, especially considering the trauma from being incarcerated.
Sensing Neil’s hesitation, Zoe said, “I know you might be worried about me starting work too soon, but I feel I need to do this. I want to prove to myself that I can be independent. I also don’t want to be a burden to you.”
Neil hesitated and then replied, “Alright. I’ll help you, but let’s go to the mall and find a job that suits you. But remember, don’t push yourself too hard. If it gets too much, you can stop anytime.”
Zoe nodded with enthusiasm and gratitude. They quickly got dressed and prepared for a day out.
As they arrived at the mall, Neil and Zoe walked through the mall, with Zoe feeling a small sense of joy. Neil suddenly stopped and looked at Zoe, holding her hand like an older brother guiding his younger sibling on the first day of school. He smiled at her, “Alright, let’s go.”
Sunday was a cloudy day, with no sign of the sun, only the grayish haze of the overcast sky. As soon as they stepped outside, they felt a chill that seemed to pierce through their clothes. Zoe’s hand was held tightly by Neil, and she glanced at him, noticing that he appeared to be in a good mood.
After driving for about 30 minutes, they reached a small, deserted alley. Neil realized that this was an area known for its nightlife, filled with various social vices. The car seemed to speed up as if wanting to escape the area as quickly as possible. Zoe, sitting beside Neil, suddenly pointed ahead and said excitedly,
“Up ahead, that’s the bar with the red sign.”
Thinking they had arrived, Neil continued to drive past it. Zoe, thinking he didn’t see it, urgently grabbed Neil’s arm and said, “You just passed it. Turn back quickly, or we’ll be late.”
“Zoe, don’t go in there.” Neil’s voice became serious and a bit stiff, his hands still on the steering wheel, showing no intention of turning around.
Zoe was puzzled and wanted to know why Neil was acting so oddly, especially since this job was something she had worked hard to find. After a while, Neil finally stopped the car by the side of the road and, with a hint of embarrassment and reluctance, explained to Zoe.
“Sorry, but please don’t work there. I know this city like the back of my hand. This place is known as a dark zone.” Neil’s voice softened as he explained, and Zoe listened in surprise and confusion.
“There are many social vices that originate from here. Young people working in bars often end up also being involved in sex work if customers request it. Once you enter this place, it’s hard to leave it clean. I’m sorry I didn’t explain this to you earlier.”
Zoe remained silent for a moment before looking at Neil. “It’s not your fault. I should have researched better before accepting the job offer.”
Zoe believed Neil was not lying and was simply concerned for her well-being.