Jeremy picked up all the torn papers, but he noticed that the damage was extensive, requiring more time to piece the fragments together.

He could only resort to wrapping the pieces in a handkerchief. Then, he returned to Madeline’s side, pretending nothing had happened after he went to the restroom.

“Jeremy, are you okay? Did you catch a cold?” Madeline asked, uneasy, as she grabbed Jeremy’s hand.

Jeremy held Madeline’s hand and intertwined his fingers with hers.

“I still intend to take good