Chapter 2
I don’t remember how I left the hospital.
Just that I stumbled, bumping into several
people.
At the entrance, I ran into another one of
John’s friends.
He was holding flowers, his eyes widening in
surprise.
“Ashley, when did you get back?”
“What are you doing here?”
The questions brought me back to the
present.
く
…..
I’d just returned after a year of studying
abroad.
Feeling unwell after the flight, I’d come to the
hospital.
What a coincidence that I happened to pass
John’s room.
I wanted to say something, but nothing came
out.
So I ran.
Only after hailing a cab did the harsh reality
hit me
The man I loved was no longer mine.
く
He’d lied to me, and so had my best friend.
I didn’t understand why.
Then, John called.
“Ashley, you’re back?”
His voice was as gentle as ever.
If I hadn’t seen everything, I’d still be in the
dark.
“Yeah, I’m back.”
I replied softly.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve picked
you up. My friend just said he saw you at the
hospital. What were you doing there?”
“Seeing a doctor.”
For some reason, I didn’t want to confront
him yet.
Maybe I still held a sliver of hope, wanted him
to confess.
“I’ll come find you. I’m near the hospital
anyway.
Soon, John’s car pulled up.
He’d changed clothes and styled his hair.
He noticed me looking him over. He quickly
smiled. “We haven’t seen each other in a year.
You’re as beautiful as ever, but I’ve gained
<
Toute as beautiful as ever, but I ve gained
weight.”
“Ashley, you won’t mind, right?”
I didn’t answer, my eyes fixed on a tattoo on
his collarbone.
JSS 1997.3.08
Jessica’s initials and her birthday.
A chill ran through me.
A year ago, John had made a promise.
He’d acted so in love, taken me to his room,
kissed my cheek.
He’d said, “Ashley, we grew up together. You
know how I feel about you.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll wait for you.”
And now, he’d betrayed me.
“No, I don’t mind.”
He seemed relieved.
“Great! Let’s grab some food to celebrate
your return.”
Chapter 3
