Bonus: Because Hunger and Loneliness Feel Alike

Even after that unpleasant, appallingly rude priest had taken Monica away—she’d drunk too much and passed out—Cyril stood rooted to the spot for some time.

There was no sign of the priest coming back. Was he staying in Monica’s room?

If that man was Monica’s lover, there would be nothing strange about it. It was only natural to look after your girlfriend when she was unwell.

(It’s not my place as an outsider to interfere.)

That was right. He was an outsider. To Monica, he was just a senior.

Cyril wanted to be a reliable senior to Monica, and he had no complaints about that role.

He shouldn’t have had any complaints, so why did his chest feel like it was burning?

Why did he feel so empty inside, as if there were a hole in his stomach that nothing could fill?

(I must be hungry.)

Telling himself that, Cyril hurried back to the hall...