Chapter 6
Watching Jack cook for me was unusual, and it made my heart crack a little. I wanted to try one last time. I meticulously planned a confession, fearing it might end in failure, but holding onto a sliver of hope.
On Sunday, I limped to the science museum to find Dr. James, my foot still not fully healed. He was a student of my late mother and treated me well. He was working on a cryogenic experiment, but there were no volunteers due to the fatal nature of it. Maybe it was a way to leave peacefully.
But I didn’t expect to see Jack and Lily there.
“What are you doing here?” Jack looked up at me.
I glanced at Lily, who was holding Jack’s arm, and forced a smile. “Just wandering around.”
Perhaps sensing my indifference, Jack frowned at me, as if asking, “What’s wrong with you?”
Lily looked at me warmly and suggested, “Julia, why don’t we walk around together?”
I was about to refuse.
“Let’s go, together.” Jack walked ahead, leaving me no choice.
Moments later, I regretted not leaving. I watched from the audience as Jack and Lily won a stuffed toy with a playful lift.
My nose tingled, and I couldn’t help but remember that since meeting Jack, he’d rarely held me like that. I wondered if he really liked Lily and if I should continue with my confession.
I wanted to walk away, but Jack handed me the stuffed toy. “My hand hurts, you hold it.”
My nose tingled again as I stroked the toy, realizing it wasn’t meant for me…
“Thanks, brother, I really love it,” Lily cooed, shaking Jack’s arm.
Jack simply asked, “Hungry?”
His voice was gentle and affectionate. I looked down to avoid watching them.
“I have something to do; you guys go eat!”
I chickened out, afraid I’d cry from frustration and disappointment. I limped away. No call to stay came from behind.
I stumbled to find Dr. James. “How are you?”
I shook my head. “Nothing, just tired. Doctor, I want to be your test subject.”
“You can’t. You need to live. I can’t betray your mother, my teacher. Dr. James was firm in his refusal.
“Please, I’m really tired. I want to leave. You said you’d repay my mother’s kindness and grant me any wish.” I sighed. The confession was just humiliating myself.
After a long pause, Dr. James sighed. “I’ll give you three days. If you still want to after that, I’ll help you.”
I bowed and slowly left the lab. Five years of chasing, and I’m exhausted. I can’t let go of Jack, so let’s stop my heart forever.
At night, it was Jack’s birthday. Over these years, we always celebrated at home. Only this day felt like we were a family.
Raccine bush.
D
C
10:11 PM
<
Passing by the cake shop, I picked up the pre–ordered cake and returned home, only to meet Jack rushing out.
“Where are you going?”
He avoided my eyes awkwardly and left without a word. The sound of his sports car echoed as Jack disappeared into the night. The last bit of hope I held onto slowly faded.
Jack, this is the last birthday I’ll celebrate for you.
