WENDY:Through the mourning period of Park's deceased grandmother, I witnessed a side of him I had never seen before. He was visibly sad and vulnerable, and completely sank in his shell.He became less talkative and disinterested in doing anything. It was difficult for both Ms. Drown and I to handle him. His father was out of phase. He had traveled back to England upon the news of his mother's death and had made plans for his family to join him after Ms. Drown must've nursed Park out of the sorrow.I did a lot of nursing for my best friend as well even when I have no experience in consolation. I stayed at his house from dawn until nightfall, before returning to my isolation. I lent him my shoulder and listened as he told stories about his dear grandmother and expressed his regrets about not being able to say goodbye.Park couldn't bring himself to go back to school either. Hence I missed school with him; it wasn't that difficult to decide. He was the only reason school was enjoyable f
WENDY:"Wendy!" Park's voice delighted from the other end of the phone. "Switch to video, I want to see your face, man,' he cried eagerly.I switched to the video without hesitation, "And how does my face look?""Cold as ever.""Thanks," I replied. We paused for a moment, smiling at each other. I debated whether to ask about the burial or not. He seemed happy, and I didn't want to change his mood. But I decided to take my chance. "What's up with you, Park?""Fine. It's boring here. And cold.""How is Grandma Isla?""Buried and rested," Park's voice conveyed that he had come to terms with his grandmother's death. I felt relieved that he was doing better."Okay. Send my regards to Ms. Drown.""Sure. Good to see you, Wen. You know I appreciate you, right?""Not so sure?"He smiled. He further asked about Grandpa Kosa and his condition, to which I briefed him and shared the good news. We discussed how we were spending the holiday without each other. Park was with his relatives and they
NICHOLAS:Since my arrival, Elena has shown no signs of improvement. She remains motionless, her complexion growing paler and thinner by the day. Her skin is unnaturally white and shrinky, resembling that of a vampire's victim.It is manifest that something is devouring her from within, which demands crucial attention, but the doctors have chosen to proceed at a snail's pace, insisting they need more time before starting any rescue mission."We have to wait until the tumor grows larger and becomes more visible," Dr. Saint explained.According to his diagnosis, Elena's brain has become stagnant, and a tumor has developed within it. The tumor must be removed, but it can only be done when it has reached a certain size. This growth could take days, weeks, or even months, depending on how quickly the tumor chooses to develop. "I'm sorry, but she will continue to become weaker and paler. The tumor requires her blood and strength to grow," he said.His explanation made no sense to me. Lettin
NICHOLAS:Same old. The bar hummed with life as usual, filled with patrons enjoying their drinks and the lively atmosphere. Colorful lights bathed every corner, while the rotating balls above the ceiling added to the vibrant ambiance. I approached the counter, where a tall, dark-haired man with an apron tied around his waist greeted me, holding a hand towel."Coke with ice, please," I ordered, and he moved towards the shelf to prepare my drink.Leaning on the counter, I scanned the bar, pretending to search for someone. I had no clear reason for being here or what I hoped to achieve. My gaze shifted upwards to the lounge area, where Vain usually oversaw his business. He was nowhere to be seen, only his loyal men standing in ovation."Are you new around here?" The waiter asked, sliding a glass across the counter.It was customary for friendly waiters to initiate conversations with customers. I could either ignore him or use the opportunity to divert attention from my true purpose of
NICHOLAS:"Nice bike."I heard the compliment from my raging state as I struggled to unstrap my helmet. I curiously turned to the voice, and he was on his height, daring and staunching in the dark. He leaned against a wall covered in amateur graffiti, puffing on a smoky cigarette that polluted the air, defining a prodigal waiter notwithstanding his attractive physique.The music from the bar blared, and scantily clad women wandered around with their prey. He looks not so different from those men, they are all filled with randy intents and conquests.He grinned at me as I mounted my bike, paying no attention to his hymn and presence."Riding off with such venom should be the least of your worries," he began, tossing the cigarette to the ground and stamping it out. "The alley is dangerous after sundown, everyone knows that." He paused, waiting for his words to muddle some punch, but I raised my eyebrows precipitously for his continuance; I have no patience in dialogues that have nothi
NICHOLAS:The night had been pleasant, and the morning promised even better. I slowly stretched on the oversized mattress until my hand came to rest on his solid sleeping form. Blinking sleepily, I took in the warm and dimly lit room, my gaze settling on his peaceful presence beside me.The lingering scent of our encounter filled my nostrils, and the gentle sound of his snores affirmed that the night had been equally satisfying for him. I shifted comfortably, stealing a glance at his serene face, memories of our escapade flashing through my mind. The turbulence from his thrusts sweeps me again, wishing he hadn't stopped last night; the desire for more of him still burned within me.We had reveled in exploring each other's bodies, and what he had done to me was worth cherishing as a memory. I could wake him and indulge in another round, but I knew that wasn't how a one-night stand worked. I needed to leave without him knowing. It was a shame that he was too good to be abandoned, but I
WENDY: I drove through my gates with a sleeping Frederick by my side. He didn't move a slight throughout the entire drive, likely worn out from the troubles at the care home. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him; the elderly at the care home never seemed to know when to give a rest and he, as a nice fellow, never called for one.As my headlights illuminated the driveway, the beauty of my peaceful surroundings came into view along with the programmed lamps that ignite only on my drive in. Everything glistened as if it were daylight, causing Frederick to squint his eyes in response."Too bright," he mumbled sleepily from the seat beside me. I couldn't help but smile at his childlike movements.The downpour persisted, and the weather had become unpleasant. While the front entrance of my house provided easy access, I decided to take the back route to the underground garage to shield us from the rain.I parked right behind my Bentley and Frederick groaned as he slowly woke up. He raised
WENDY:My kitchen and utensils were as surprised to see me as I was to see them. I had abandoned them for take-outs since forever, and here I was, finally reconnecting with them.Unfortunately, there wasn't much in the refrigerator except eggs and a jar of corn smash."That will do."I settled for an omelet and some corn meal. Once I finished preparing the food, I set the table and was about to call Frederick down for dinner when I saw him descending the stairs, shining brighter than the solar.He had taken off his ugly glasses and had done something to his hair. His curls sparkled in the stylish half bun he had created. The baggy pants gave him a fashionable look, more better than a model review, and his loose cotton blouse hung sexily off his shoulder.He looked more appetizing than my burnt omelet."You look... nice.""And so are those before me."He is a forward type, I see.I raised an eyebrow in confusion. Although I had a clue as to where he was heading with his comment."Don't