When I was five years old, Mom bought some fish back home and kept a few lively ones in the tank. A scrawny young boy and I lay near the tank and happily watched the fish swim about. We wanted to raise them and then release them into the ocean.When I was seven years old, I got really into movies depicting powerful, skilled female warriors riding on horses, roaming the world, and exacting justice with a sword in hand. So, I started practicing martial arts, wanting to become a famous, righteous Robin Hood-like vigilante.But I ended up falling from a fence and hurting my kneecap. I wailed painfully on the ground.Felix's brother, Colin, consoled me with a lollipop. He said, "Warriors never cry."I looked up at him and asked, "Do warriors eat lollipops, then?"Colin thought about it for a moment before nodding. "They do. Warriors love lollipops."When I was ten years old, I skipped a grade. All my classmates called me a freak, someone who was more capable than them, even though I
"Run, Lulu!" Mom's voice grew weaker as the net tightened around her."No, Mom. I don't want to go alone. Can you please come with me?"Mom shook her head as she grew more distant. I got up to chase after her, terrified."Wait for me, Mom!"I opened my eyes all of a sudden. Bright sunlight shot right into my eyes. I quickly covered them.A warm yet dry hand touched my shoulder immediately. A voice called out, "Don't move. You're still healing. Dear, Lulu's woken up."I returned to my senses. The sharp smell of sanitizer filled my nostrils. There was an IV drip bag right above my head.I was still alive!I remembered now. That kind old man saved me.I survived yet another catastrophe!"How are you feeling, darling? Do you feel sick anywhere?" Mom's delicate yet loving face appeared in my vision. How long had she been crying? Her eyes were frighteningly swollen."Mom," I called softly, caressing her cheek.Mom pressed my hand to her face as tears of joy burst forth. "Sweet
Mom's and Dad's faces turned gloomy in an instant. Mom's jaw pulled taut as rage boiled in her eyes.I hadn't returned home even when it was nearly 9:00 pm that night. When Mom called my number, she found my phone on the couch in the living room, left behind. Felix's phone had been shut down.Mom said she was really worried because the thunderstorm was too violent. So, she went to knock on Aunt Melinda's door to ask my whereabouts.But when Mom opened the door, she saw Felix sitting on the couch, cuddling with Lilac and feeding her fruit.When Mom asked him where I was, he was confused. "Luna isn't back yet? We parted ways on the street earlier."When Mom and Dad figured out where exactly Felix and I parted ways, they ran out looking for me without even taking an umbrella.No one was out in the streets while the rain poured.Mom and Dad panicked. They knocked on every single shop door to ask whether anyone had seen me.The storm was strong that day. Most of the shops had closed
If it weren't for the kind old man I encountered, I would be a lifeless body by now. And a simple sorry couldn't reverse the situation.If I had known that the barbecue dinner with him would lead to this, I wouldn't have gone, even if it meant death. I blamed it on my lack of willpower.So, it was my own fault, not his. I didn't need his light-hearted apology after he left me alone to face life and death.Felix seemed to sense my indifference. He leaned forward and reached out to check my forehead temperature. He was about to say something when I avoided his touch and cut off his yet-unspoken words. "I'm tired and need rest. Leave, and don't come back."Perhaps my coldness made him uncomfortable. Guilt appeared in his eyes as he tried to justify himself. "Lulu, you never used to treat me like this."With a faint smile, I squinted my eyes against the harsh sunlight. "The past is the past, and I've already apologized for my mistakes. There's no need to bring it up again."It had be
In the following days, I started running a fever, feeling disoriented and uncomfortable with pain all over my body.Jade and the others visited me and shared jokes to cheer me up every day. Yet, I couldn't muster any interest. Seeing my lack of enthusiasm, they fell silent and quietly kept me company throughout the day.Ever since the Whites left that night, my parents and I tacitly avoided mentioning the incident. I wasn't sure if Aunt Melinda had visited me again. But my parents didn't bring it up, and I preferred not to dwell on it. My parents devoted all their attention to me, seemingly cutting ties with the White family.I observed Mom several times, especially two days ago when she turned Aunt Melinda away during her visit. There was a subtle hint of concern in Mom's eyes.I sighed inwardly, realizing that my condition had strained the relationship between Mom and Aunt Melinda. Having a daughter as fragile and helpless as me could be both a blessing and a curse for my m
I believed Lilac's visit that day was to prove that she had won Felix over me.I initially had a good impression of Lilac, thinking she was fragile and pitiful. If they truly loved each other, I could give them my blessings. After all, Felix's dislike for me had nothing to do with Lilac.However, Lilac's actions left me disappointed after a few incidents.I always believed that one should have a pure heart regardless of one's background or wealth. Lilac was under 20 years old, but she appeared to have been tainted by worldly matters and was too scheming.I wondered if, with time, Felix would come to regret discovering her true nature. Could their present love endure, allowing them to age together?During breakfast, I brought up the topic of moving again. Dad mentioned that they had already found a house and paid the deposit.It was in a new community farther away in the city center. However, the house was still under construction and wouldn't be ready until next year.I felt a
"Harper, we've been friends for over 20 years. Staying at your place feels as comfy as my own home. But with you moving, it's like there's an emptiness in my heart. "If it weren't for Felix's mistakes, this wouldn't be happening. Just the thought of being apart from you hurts," Aunt Melinda said."This isn't his fault. We're moving because we like the new place and the neighborhood's architecture. It really has nothing to do with Felix. Don't overthink it," Mom comforted her."I know, Harper. I know everything," Aunt Melinda said, breaking into tears again.I fell asleep again at some point and had a particularly frightening nightmare. I found myself falling into an abyss surrounded by towering mountains with no visible peaks. Water relentlessly cascaded from above, swiftly engulfing me up to waist level.All around, there were only barren mountains and tumultuous waters. I was trapped in the water, completely immobilized. When I tried to scream for help, my throat felt constri
When we arrived at the airport and got out of the car, Colin's video call suddenly came in. Without much thought, I walked aside to answer.Speaking of Colin, he truly lived up to being amazing and talented. However, there was one habit of his that I didn't understand. He rarely called for matters and always preferred video calls.I once asked him why, and he said video calls have a loud ringtone, making them less likely to be missed.It turned out that the institute was organizing a competition in collaboration with several prestigious schools. Renowned classical painters would serve as judges, and schools could form teams to participate. Colin asked if I wanted to join so he could team up with me.To be somewhat precise, I came from a literary family. My dad was a high school English teacher. If not for my mom's restraint, he could spend all day reciting poems at home for me and Mom.My mom worked in interior design. According to my dad, she was a rare talent in her youth. I