The Absurd Impact
I gazed at my grinning self on the ceiling, nausea churning inside. "Sarah gave it..." I murmured, voice rasping like sandpaper. "Why hide it behind the nightstand?" The act itself was bizarre. Why not give it to us directly? David seemed stung by my words, whipping his head toward me. His bewilderment vanished, replaced by a complex mix—shock, realization, disbelief, even a flicker of pain. He opened his mouth as if to speak but choked, lips pressed into a thin, ashen line.


David's Multifaceted Reaction
Liz glanced between us, then fiddled with the projector. Her finger slid to the depression she'd pressed earlier. The cozy Christmas scene vanished instantly. "There's more..." she muttered, touching a spot on the bottom. A soft "ping" sounded, and melodious piano music flowed out, rich and clear in the small room. It truly was a speaker! Liz exhaled in relief, a wry smile forming. "My goodness, it really is a projector speaker! What was Sarah thinking?"


Music Functionality
She offered it to me. I stared at the small object in her palm—the source of sleepless nights and shattered trust, now looking harmless as a toy. I didn't take it. A lump of bitter sorrow choked my throat, my body trembling uncontrollably. All the pent-up terror, hurt, and isolation of the past month broke through like a flood. Tears streamed hotly down my cheeks. I covered my mouth to stifle sobs, but muffled cries escaped. My frame shook with stifled weeping.

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