3 I shut the door, shoved in my earbuds, blocking out the party’s noise. I’d decided to move back to Miami, meaning I needed to quit my job. But I wanted to finish my current projects, to avoid causing any trouble. I sat by the floor–to–ceiling window, working. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting … Read more
2 Out of sight, out of mind. I retreated to my room, burying myself in work. A knock on the door. Qiana, a mango pudding in hand, stood there, beaming. Her captivating almond eyes sparkled, a few flecks of yellow pudding dusting her pretty face. “Lanie, the party’s hopping downstairs. Come join the fun!” I … Read more
<Lanie’s Story 1 Lanie’s Story 1 I’d secretly accepted a proposal to move back to Miami, all to escape them, my two childhood best friends. I figured they wouldn’t care; their eyes were glued to that intern, anyway. I’d imagined their reactions, the hurt, the pleading… maybe even a little anger. Instead, they just stared, … Read more
22 Evelyn listened silently to Eleanor’s lament, saying nothing. Only after Eleanor finished, looking at her expectantly, did Evelyn speak. “I won’t forgive you for the past, but I won’t hold a grudge. I have my own life to live; I don’t want to waste time on this.” Eleanor was silent for a long time, … Read more
21 Sebastian and Evelyn were quickly airlifted to the nearest hospital. Medical personnel immediately transferred Sebastian to a stretcher and rushed him to the operating room. The doors closed; forms were signed, fingerprints taken… Evelyn’s head swam. process. Following the doctor’s instructions, she collapsed after completing the “Help! Someone’s fainted!” Evelyn woke up a day … Read more
20 Evelyn saw the toys clutched in the child’s arms, more scattered at his feet. She remembered the child’s mother had passed away; these were her last gifts. Evelyn made a decision. She told the male teacher to take the child; she’d follow, bringing the toys to school. After the teacher left, Evelyn quickly gathered … Read more
19 Why had he come looking for Evelyn? He wanted answers. Why had she suddenly left him? Why the sudden disappearance? Why wouldn’t she let him find her? Most importantly, did she still love him? But the words wouldn’t come. After a long silence, Sebastian finally said, “I want to take you home.” He explained … Read more
18 Menu A wave of pity washed over Sebastian. The site visit and negotiations went smoothly; The Wolfe Corporation decided to donate one million annually, starting next month, requiring all students to attend university, whether undergraduate or vocational. If, for three consecutive years, students dropped out for reasons other than health, or if the matriculation … Read more
17 After the hot pot, everyone dispersed. As Evelyn was returning to her room, Robert called out to her. “Evie, I need to talk to you.” Moments later, Evelyn sat with Robert on a bench at the edge of the playground. “Evie, won’t you join the delegation next week?” Robert’s voice held regret. He’d watched … Read more
16 News in The Capitol Circle spread like wildfire. Within days, Evelyn, teaching in a remote Willow Creek, saw the aftermath of Sebastian and Charlotte’s story on her phone. She sighed. She’d thought Sebastian, while not loving Charlotte, had cared for her sake of the children. Yet, not long after she left, their relationship had … Read more