Stephanie, wrapped against Michael's chest and wishing for a merciful lightning bolt to strike her and make her disappear, listened to what was happening around her without daring to lift her head or look at anyone. She had never been so ashamed, and she doubted that any future experience could even come close to the humiliation that overwhelmed her at that moment.
"Michael, please," she whispered when she gathered the strength to do so, "why don't you just let me go? I want to go home and be with my parents, I beg you."
Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Stephanie, stop worrying," responded Michael, who walked through all the hallways of the office in a matter of seconds and was already approaching the elevator. "I'll call your parents as soon as we get to the hospital, don't worry."
"But
