Meera's POV
I stood at the edge of the stairs, my breath shallow, my body tensing as the sneeze tickled the back of my throat. It was almost unbearable. My eyes watered, and I could feel my nostrils twitching with the impending eruption. Holding my breath, I fought it, wanting to be in control. I didn’t want to show any weakness in front of him. But, of course, just as I thought I could manage it, the sneeze came crashing through, an involuntary explosion of air. It echoed through the house, bouncing off the walls like a distant gunshot. I rubbed my nose hastily, frustrated with my own body.
At the top of the stairs, I waited. Still, I had to admit I was feeling a little impatient. The clock was ticking. There was no time to waste. I could hear my father’s movements coming from upstairs,
