Ed wiped away the dust that covered Javier's name. The rainy season made the tombstone look dirty, especially since Javier's was black.
“I’ll arrange for it to be cleaned,” said Otiz. He had been standing behind Ed all this time, and now he handed over the bouquet of flowers he was carrying. His hands were full. He also had an umbrella for Ed, because it was indeed cloudy that day.
Ed placed the predominantly yellow bouquet on the grave. Javier never mentioned what kind of flowers he liked, but Ed brought yellow ones, a bright and cheerful color. Because that was what Javier was. Bright and happy.
Ed then wiped Javier's name again, but not because of the dirt. He was just trying to find something to touch. Something that wasn’t a shadow that could disappear.
“It’s hard... not fun without you,” Ed muttered. He didn’t want to complain. Usually, he never talks about heavy stuff when visiting Javier, but today w
"AJ! Don't read while eating! You'll be late!"Ruby scolded him a second time because her only son had not yet finished his breakfast, even though it was just bread with peanut butter.AJ, who had sneaked one of his books onto the table, slowly set it aside. He didn't argue and immediately started chewing the rest of his breakfast."I am aware of your ability to read and your love for it. That's not a terrible thing, but it shouldn't happen right before you leave for school. If you eat like a snail, we'll be late."Ruby, of course, felt awful after scolding him, and she gently comforted AJ while stroking his small, curly-haired head. She also gave him a kiss on the forehead, not wanting her son to pout all day.AJ was generally cheerful, but when he got upset, he would be very quiet. Ruby would panic because she had no one else to talk to at home until AJ felt better."Come on, hurry up." Ruby hurriedly locked the door, then zipped up the th
“Why is my desire not clear enough until you want me to come here?” As he sat under the shade of an elegant gazebo in the garden adjacent to Russell's opulent home, Ed questioned Russell. He's the man he had to meet in New York.Russell was a new link in his product distribution chain, but he was a bit fussy and insisted on talking to him in person.Ed didn’t really want to come, but he also didn’t want to lose the large profits. Among the options Marco had suggested, Russell possessed a reasonably extensive network. The other choices were not yet on Russell’s level.“I wanted to meet you in person, Don Rosas. I’m a businessman who likes close relationships. If we are going to work together, then I want us to meet face-to-face, at least to greet each other directly,” said Russell.“So, what now? Are you mesmerized by looking at me?” Ed inquired as he removed his sunglasses, revealing a markedly improved face.Ed had followed Diego's advice two years ago. Diego had suggested plastic su
Aside from feeling insane, Ed also thought that his injury might be fatal. It sounds impossible, but how else could he see Javier in front of him? Ed thought that it made more sense that he was hallucinating and reliving his life because he was dying.So, it made sense that he was seeing a young Javier.But after five seconds of staring at each other, Ed realized that this boy had green eyes. Since Javier's eyes weren't green, he couldn't be dying from a torn ear tip. Moreover, he was skinny, whereas Javier was chubbier as a child.But otherwise, he looked exactly like Javier. Even his curly hair resembled Ed's."Mister, you're hurt."The boy finally spoke, and Ed was relieved that he wasn’t dreaming. He wasn’t hallucinating about Javier. The boy spoke fluent English. Javier had a thick accent, even as a child.“Yes.” Ed slowly sat on the floor, leaning against one of the nearby wooden walls. The shock of seeing Javier’s face was enough to make him feel weak, or maybe it was the effec
"Ah, my favorite!"Grace exclaimed with delight, accepting the glass of hot coffee and the box of apple pie that Ruby had brought from Casa Nueva—her café."This is perfect, as always." Grace inhaled the aroma of the coffee and smiled gratefully. Whenever Ruby visited her mother, she always brought something for Grace as a token of appreciation."You’re too kind to me, Ruby. I’ve gotten so used to your sweet gestures now. I’ll have to hold you accountable if you ever come without bringing anything." Grace glanced at the pie Ruby had brought and smacked her lips impatiently. The aroma was incredibly enticing."Don’t worry, I’ll always be sweet to you." Ruby winked at Grace.Of course, Ruby never minded being kind to Grace. According to her, the woman was like an angel. Since Ruby first arrived in New York, Grace has always helped her.It wasn’t just about caring for her mother at ADDF; Grace al
"AJ? Where are you?""Is that your mom?" asked Ed, pointing at the chubby woman calling out. He peeked through the window.“Pffft… no. My mom is beautiful. She's named Ms. Rosemore. A teacher.” AJ shook his head vehemently, not accepting that Ed’s guess was so far off.“Go, or she’ll report you to your mom.” Ed pointed to the door. AJ had to leave before the woman considered where he might be.“Yeah…” AJ nodded reluctantly, then hoisted his backpack.“Keep this meeting a secret from her.” Ed pointed at the woman below.“Of course! I won’t introduce my friend to her!” AJ shook his head immediately.Ed felt relieved but also amused. Seeing him pout was similar to seeing Javier sulk.“You’re smart.” Ed patted AJ’s head, and his nose seemed to flare with happiness at the compliment.“Go.” Ed whisper
"I'm getting married today." Ruby muttered to herself, while pinching her thigh hidden beneath the billowing skirt of her white wedding dress. Making sure she wasn't dreaming.She was indeed getting married today, even though just two days ago she didn't have a boyfriend."Remember, if you want your mother to receive care and that money, you must not withdraw or annul the agreement between us."Ruby, who had just held her breath—calming the nausea in her stomach—turned to look at the bald-headed old man who was currently holding her arm. The words were only whispers, but they were clear enough amidst the buzz of the guests in front of the altar."I have promised; I will not break it." Ruby whispered back, affirming that she would fulfill her part of the deal they had agreed upon.Ruby agreed to marry a stranger she had only seen in a photo in exchange for money. That was the essence of her role. Ruby was aware of all the risks, and she believed they were worth it."Remember it for the
"Stupid girl!"Ruby, who had just lost consciousness, opened her eyes after receiving an insult and a slap on her cheek.Ruby rubbed her sore cheek, and instantly her blurry vision cleared. She realized she was now lying on a large bed after her body went limp upon seeing her husband's hideous face."Do you want to get us all killed or what? You just needed to kiss him! You're a fool!" Esli, Liz's father, said so. He appeared furious, occasionally glancing toward the door, concerned that someone might overhear.Ruby was too shocked to respond to the insult from the father of a woman who should be in her position. She hadn't expected to receive such harsh anger. After all, it wasn't her intention to faint. Who would've thought that the man who became her spouse would look like a monster?"You screamed in his face and fainted? You just insulted him, fool! Why didn't you just throw shit in his face?!" Esli rubbed his face in panic.Ruby's fainting after seeing Eduardo Rosas' face could c
"Don't expect you can run or try to escape, because this face will always haunt you in your nightmares!" Ruby jerked as Eduardo pinned her against the wall behind her. Ruby bit her lip hard, closing her eyes tightly to hold back the sobs of fear. Unfortunately, no matter how hard Ruby tried to hold back, tears still managed to escape from her chocolate orbs. How could they not? The intense gaze of her lawful husband seemed to pierce her heart. "Wipe those tears away and do your duty as a wife properly! Don't let them think I'm mistreating you!" Eduardo barked, tossing a box of tissue toward Ruby. Esli picked up the tissue, pretending to help Ruby clean her face to appear good in front of Eduardo. Just as the man made sure Eduardo had left the room, Esli leaned in close to Ruby's ear and said, "If you still want to see your mother, make sure you do everything right."Ruby nodded, steeling herself. She had to endure for her mother. She didn't need to take to heart all the insults s