Harley observed through the glass window of the interrogation room with the number 003 as Delayna recounted, for the third time, what she witnessed regarding the incident. So far, every detail matched, and she repeated the same information continuously, as requested by his colleague, Isaac. The two-meter-tall man smiled as he listened to the testimony of the shorter girl, taking notes – though it was unclear what exactly, as Harley hoped he wasn't just doodling on paper out of boredom. Harley knew Isaac had a knack for avoiding dealing with cases, preferring chases and ambushes, while details didn't spark his imagination. This aspect of Isaac irritated Harley the most. He knew Isaac was capable of more due to his intelligence and sharp observations, often leading to quicker case resolutions when he bothered to pay attention. So, unusually, Harley wanted him to question the girl more. Leaning closer to the observation desk, he pressed a button as he approached the microphone, transmitting his voice directly to the earpiece in Isaac's ear.

"Ask more about the part when she found the bodies. I need a more detailed description," he instructed, receiving no reaction from Isaac. He waited for the girl to finish speaking, but suddenly, she fell silent too. Raising her blond head that was previously lowered, she stared directly at Harley. Delayna's gaze was vacant, as if images of the incident were playing before her eyes, causing a break within her. Harley noticed this and quickly pressed the button to give another command, but suddenly, a sharp pain struck his left, injured eye, coursing through his entire skull via the optic nerve. Emitting a painful groan, he clutched his eye and took a few steps back. At that moment, Isaac turned towards the window, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes.

"Hey! What's happening there?" he asked, receiving no response, only Delayna's voice echoing in the tense, quiet room.

"Why do they want to know everything? Why keep interrogating me? Haven't I said enough already?" the girl burst out as a few tears rolled down her cute face. "They know too much... And I... I don't even know if I'll ever see Dari again! He was my everything," she sobbed, lowering her head again and trying to wipe her face with her delicate hands.

Isaac was completely at a loss. "Please, Ms. Davis, calm down... We'll find your lost dog," he tried to reassure the girl, while waiting for any sign of life from Harley. It eventually happened. In his ear, the slightly distressed voice of the detective resounded.

"No problem, Isaac. I had a little issue with my eye. Comfort the witness and let her rest. We'll conclude the interrogation for today," he said, releasing the microphone button. Straightening up, still covering his eye, he left the room.

He made his way to a vending machine, tossing in enough change for a strong black coffee. As soon as his coffee was ready, he grabbed it and set off nervously. He walked along the corridor, through the entrance door, stepping into the biting cold. He went all the way to the right side of the building, leaned against the wall, and almost immediately lit a cigarette. His right hand, holding the cigarette, trembled here and there. He didn't know what could be wrong. In his mind and his left eye, which he always kept closed, the pain still lingered. He felt disturbed, and he could only think of one thing—the broken eyes that were so pale yet cruelly etched into his memory. He closed his right eye, then slowly tilted his head back. He sighed deeply before taking another drag from his cigarette. He couldn't calm down.

"Something's not right with that girl," he muttered to himself. His words were not addressed to anyone, and he thought it was enough to leave them to the winter wind. Yet, someone reacted to that statement.

"Exactly as much as with you, Harley... What happened in there?" Issac asked the question once again, secretly following Harley and waiting for the opportunity to speak. His gaze sparkled cunningly, observing his detective partner. He appeared like a wild animal closing in on its prey. This slightly surprised our one-eyed friend. Rarely had his two-meter-tall companion been so determined.

"Nothing... Just my eye hurting. I don't understand why... There's no eyeball there anymore. This is more like..." His statement was interrupted.

"Phantom pain. I get it then. You still feel it being torn out, right?" Issac wasn't satisfied with the response, and he didn't hide it. His behavior suggested that he knew more but deliberately wouldn't share it with his partner, who currently didn't notice that something was being kept from him.

"Something like that... Although, until now, nothing like this has happened." Harley answered somewhat calmer but still not at ease. He found the conversation with Issac unpleasant.

"I see. I'll let you gather yourself, and I'll go back inside to escort the girl home," Issac said, then turned around and headed back into the building. Harley didn't respond. He didn't feel the need to. Besides, the other didn't wait for his answer, making it completely unnecessary. He stayed outside with his cigarette and coffee. He was cold, and his black drink had already cooled, but he didn't care. He needed the caffeine early in the morning.
Finally, as Harley finished his coffee, the world around him became increasingly filled with light. The sun was just rising, casting its orange glow over the gloomy and gray city. It was a sublime moment as the light broke through the clouds, bringing everything to life. Except for one person's heart, in whose chest emotions never showed love or admiration for anything. Harley seemed as if nothing in life could thaw the icy prison in his heart. He was tired, cold, and even his head hurt. He couldn't imagine a "better" day than this.