"You don't have to wash the dishes," Aisha said, stepping firmly between Karmen and the sink. "I've already prepared the guest room for you. Go and get some rest." She didn't wait for an answer, gently peeling the rubber gloves from his hands and pulling them onto her own.
Karmen lingered for a moment, then stepped back and retreated from the kitchen. Instead of heading to his room, he sat on the living room sofa, waiting for her to finish.
He pulled out his phone, scanning the notifications on his lock screen. Most were trivial, but he opened a chat and sent a quick message to Carlos.
"Did you land safely?"
He didn't expect an instant response, but the reply came back almost immediately.
"Yes. Thanks for asking."
