Barty Jr. did not respond, and not even a trace of joyful smile appeared on his face.
He simply raised his head and stared blankly at the pitch-black ceiling, as though it were a vast, endless night where stars would flicker if only one kept from blinking.
When the fragrance of tea roses drifted up to his nose, Barty Jr. finally slowly shifted his gaze toward Quinlan, who had been quietly maintaining her posture of offering the flowers.
Chapter 144