Lasik's Endless Nightmare

"Morning, Lasik. You look much better. Have you been enjoying yourself these past couple of days?"

Though it was only just past dawn, the air already felt scorching. Mrs. Mary held a hand over her brow to shield her eyes as she watched a convertible pull to a slow stop by the roadside.

"Very much! I feel completely relaxed."

A woman with thick brown hair sat in the exceptionally well-maintained car. She adjusted her wide-brimmed hat and greeted Mrs. Mary.

She looked to be around thirty, mature and strikingly beautiful. But right now she seemed languid, with barely any makeup on, like she was on vacation.

"The only problem is, now that I've relaxed, I seem to have lost interest in the plan I made before."

"At least you achieved what you came here for, didn't you?"

Mrs. Mary seemed to understand how she felt. She smiled as she spoke.

"Would you like to come in for a glass of chilled lemonade?"

"Uh..."

Lasik tilted her head and thought it over for a moment before gladly accepting.

The next moment, she opened the car door and got out, then stepped into Mrs. Mary's yard. On the way, she greeted Jones, who was about to get into the car.

"Sheriff Jones, aren't you late at this hour?"

"I'm old. This is standard time for me."

Jones sounded perfectly unapologetic. After calling out a greeting, he started the car and drove off.

Mrs. Mary had clearly come out to see her husband off to work. Throughout their conversation, Jones had patiently stood there, as if waiting for Lasik to go inside so he could say goodbye to her.

"Have you had breakfast?"

As she watched Sheriff Jones's car disappear down the road, Mrs. Mary led Lasik inside and asked warmly.

"No."

Lasik