I sat beside Felix's bed, considering what to say.I used to believe that 18 years were a long time. However, when I was 22, I realized there wasn't much to talk about when I recalled it."Felix, you're such a coward. What are you trying to escape from by lying here? You're tall, handsome, and a top student who ranked in the top three on all exams. Many girls had had a crush on you and wanted to pursue you. If I hadn't stupidly helped you avoid them all those years, you might have gotten in trouble."I don't mind you not appreciating me, but you're now torturing us. You're so heartless. Perhaps being cruel is your true nature. You appear unachievable, after all. Others believe you're indifferent, and many girls think you're out of reach."It's alright if you keep your disinterest in everything. But why did you hide Matthew's love letters from me? You've done too many awful things that God hasn't spared you. That's why you have no choice but to lie here and listen to my accusatory c
The bed was too small for the tall Colin. I felt like I was stuck in his arms when we lay together.My relationship with him had heated up recently, but our most intimate gestures were only hand-holding and kisses on the forehead and cheeks.We'd never been so close for hours. That night, it was only me and him. We got so near that we could sense each other's breath.I could feel his body temperature through the thin clothing and jeans. His pine scent engulfed me, making me feel inebriated.He was holding my waist. When we stayed close, I felt his body heat up. Both of our reactions were obvious."Colin." I couldn't bear the heat, so I called him unconsciously. My voice was so soft that it sounded strange."Hmm, I'll hold you. Just sleep." Colin's voice was hoarse and deep at night, like centuries-old wine, mellow and enticing.The temperature in the ward was lower at night, and he was like a furnace. I cuddled in his arms and slept soundly.When I woke up, it was still dark ou
I even started to believe the fortune teller Aunt Mel had mentioned was capable. He actually made the correct prediction!"You're finally awake! I can't believe it!" I covered my mouth in surprise and burst into tears.It was good news. Colin and I would have a bright future as Felix awoke."Colin, wake up!" I raised my voice in anxiety.Colin opened his eyes and was confused for a little while. Then, his expression abruptly changed, and he got up nervously. "What's wrong, Lulu?"My tears probably startled him. He only put on one shoe and dashed over. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."Colin had often said this sentence to me after Felix's accident.He became solemn, unlocking his phone with trembling hands.Gosh, did Colin think Felix was going to die? Was he going to call his parents to see Felix for the last time? He wouldn't be so serious otherwise.It was my fault for not explaining things properly."Colin, Felix is awake!" I dragged Colin to Felix.His hands froze mid-ai
I was pissed off.They were indeed a family. They were so shameless to say the same thing.Did he mean I wasn't a good girl if I didn't forgive Aunt Mel? Did they intend to accuse me of being unforgiving this time?I even pondered why I hadn't realized this family was so narrow-minded."Uncle Austin, why didn't you persuade Aunt Mel when she scolded us that day? If you did so, she might not curse at us. I won't forgive you both. I don't understand why you treated your sons so differently. How could you trade Colin's life for Felix?"What happened to Felix was his fault. It has nothing to do with Colin or me. Why did you blame us? Don't you think it's unjust for us to bear Felix's sins?"Uncle Austin didn't expect me to speak so harshly. He wanted to refute but couldn't think of a reason. He ended up flushing....Everyone felt relieved when Felix awoke.Colin sent me back that day and brought me home. He was astounded to see how disorganized my house was. There were organizer
Another apology.If I could forget everything after accepting his apology, moralities and laws would be meaningless.His belated apology was pointless.I wanted to ignore him. However, after thinking about it, it seemed unfair that only Colin and I were uncomfortable. I should make him feel the same. So I responded, "You should apologize to Colin."I wouldn't forgive them lightly.Maybe Colin would keep his grievances in his heart and choose to forgive them because they were his blood relatives, but I didn't want to see him suffer....Felix was discharged from the hospital before the New Year.In Southsville, New Year was significant. Some families who couldn't gather during the New Year would choose to get together before then.My parents had decided to celebrate the New Year in our new house as a celebration of moving.As we still had a few things to move, Mom and I came over to pick up the last batch of stuff the morning before the New Year while Dad was cooking at home.
"Remember to miss me when you get there."Colin, don't say this in front of my mom. I grumbled inwardly. He wasn't my official boyfriend yet, but he said it so calmly and confidently."Hmm," I replied."Video call me every day.""Hmm.""No contact with other boys, especially that rigid one.""Hmm."...I felt embarrassed by his endless reminders, but he refused to stop talking.I looked at Mom in the rearview mirror. She had pretended not to hear anything. However, her raised lips indicated that she was blatantly eavesdropping happily.I felt lucky to have such liberal parents.Despite Aunt Mel's outrageous actions, Mom didn't vent her displeasure at Colin or limit my interactions with him. It might not be possible for other parents.To a considerable part, my parents' generosity and open-mindedness highlighted Uncle Austin's and Aunt Mel's selfishness and narrow-mindedness.I called Dad in advance. When we arrived downstairs, he was waiting at the entrance to help us move
His phone rang many times, nonstop. The caller was quite persistent.Nobody spoke, but everyone knew who the call was from.Dad set down the wine glass he had just filled and snorted in dissatisfaction.Mom sighed, set down her fork, and said helplessly, "You'd better head home, Colin."Colin sat still, tightly holding my hand under the table.I told him, "Just go back, Colin. The semester will start soon. We can be together every day then.""That's right. It's the New Year. You shouldn't make your family unhappy. Don't cause trouble for Lulu anymore." Mom patted his shoulder.Her final sentence had an effect. Colin set down his fork, reluctantly put on his coat, and left.I sent him to the car. He leaned against the car door and hugged me. Regardless of whether anyone would notice, he kissed my forehead gently.His breath was hot despite the cold outside."Lulu, I wish I could swallow you. Then I can bring you everywhere."The temperature in Southsville was very low in wint
"Can we talk?" Felix approached me, blocking the sunlight."I don't think we have anything to talk about. Get out of my way."He didn't seem to understand or care about my rejection. Instead, he grinned pleasantly. "You've become wary."In my impression, he had always been aloof and rarely smiled. Even if he did, he would only slightly raise his lips. Others wouldn't notice it was a smile if they didn't look closely.What happened to him? Why was he smiling so broadly?I was so irritated that I wanted to hit Felix to get him out of my sight. Of course, that was presuming I could fight him."Please go straight to the point. I don't have time to speak with you."I wasn't sure which word delighted him, but he smiled and wanted to pat my head, which I avoided."Are your hands clean? Don't touch me."I expressed my disgust, but he didn't care. He withdrew his hand, bowed slightly, and said sincerely, "I won't delay you for long. I'd like to speak plainly with you."Jade suddenly t