Deirdre stopped speaking and shut her eyes. Realizing that he was being too harsh, Brendan explained by saying, “There’s no point in comparing yourself to her.”

Deirdre remained as quiet as before. Brendan stared at her dry, cracked lips and got up to fetch her a glass of water.

“Don’t go to sleep yet. Drink the water before you rest.”

Deirdre turned her face to the side. “I want to rest.”

“Rest after drinking the water.” Brendan pushed the glass of water toward her by force. Deirdre refuse