Chapter 2

The autumn sunlight fell softly on me as I nodded, offering no further explanation.

The only reason I came back was to tell David myself that I was getting married.

I only wanted to share this joy with him.

Michael spoke again, his voice sincere, "Anna, don't try to handle everything by yourself out there. If you ever need help, call me.

"My number's still the same, never changed it, in case you ever wanted to call and couldn't find me."

I couldn't help but smirk, a sarcastic smile tugging at my lips. "Seriously? The guy who once cut me off and wished I'd disappear from his life forever is now pretending he's full of regret and deep affection.

"Whatever. I have zero interest in messing around with a married guy."

With that, I pushed off hard on the pedals, riding away down the long path blanketed in golden ginkgo leaves.

The wheels rolled over the leaves, making a gentle, rustling sound.

I used to know this road like the back of my hand.

When I was a kid, this was my favorite place to go running and biking with David.

He'd always laugh and call me his little shadow, but every time, he'd slow down and patiently wait for me.

I used to laugh and make a promise with him: when we were old and gray, we'd still be strolling down this path together, leaning on each other and soaking up the sun.

But now, I was actually two years older than he ever got to be.

I rode my bike all the way back to the run-down apartment complex where David used to live.

Since David passed away, the place had been left empty.

I reached out and pushed open the rusty metal security door, and a wave of stale, musty air washed over me.

On the living room wall hung a family photo of the four of us, the picture covered in a thick layer of dust.

Growing up, it was David and me against the world.

After our parents passed away, he became my whole world. He raised me all by himself.

When I turned seventeen, Michael walked into our lives.

He showed up with tears of gratitude in his eyes, his voice shaking as he said, "David pulled me out of the river. He literally saved my life. From now on, I'm sticking with him for life."

But Michael and I were like oil and water, always at each other's throats over the tiniest things.

One time, we got into a heated argument about which channel to watch on TV.

I stood there, hands on my hips, raising my voice. "I love this show. Quit hogging the remote."

He shot back with a frown, refusing to give in. "This show's boring. Let's pick something else."

In the end, David had to step in, laughing and playing peacemaker, finally getting us to chill out.

I was lost in memories, standing there in a daze.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of a key turning in the lock outside.

The door was pushed open, and there stood Lauren and Michael.

That was when it hit me that back then, all four of us had a key to this place.

Lauren beamed, her voice warm and enthusiastic, "Michael told us you were back, so we figured you'd be here.

"You should've let us know you were coming. We could've picked you up."

As she spoke, she reached out, trying to grab my arm.

Instinctively, I stepped back, avoiding her hand.

"This place isn't livable. Why don't you come stay with us?" Lauren urged, trying to convince me. "The maid's on leave, so there's an extra room you can use."

I looked down.

My fiancé's family was based in this city. I came back to visit David, and later I have to meet my fiancé's parents.

I looked up, reached out my hand, and said firmly, "Give me the keys."

This house was bought by David for me. Lauren and Michael had no claim to it whatsoever.

Michael gave the photo in my hand a complicated look. After a brief pause, he said, "Anna, if David were still here, he'd want the three of us to be okay."

Lauren turned away, unable to bring herself to look at the photo. A hint of panic flashed in her eyes.

Michael headed straight inside, took off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and grabbed the broom by the door. "Lauren, open up the windows and air the place out."

For a moment, it was like I'd been transported years back.

Back then, the four of us used to gather here all the time.

David would be in the kitchen cooking, Lauren helping him out, Michael taking care of the chores, and me, playfully giving orders from the sidelines.

That tiny house always echoed with laughter and joy.

But now, all that was left was a suffocating silence.

I wiped the table clean, then with both hands, carefully set David's photo upright, making sure it was neat and proper.

David's smile in the photo was so warm and gentle.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think the four of us would meet again like this.

Suddenly, Lauren rushed over, grabbed David's photo, and slammed it face-down on the table, shouting, "We're all fine. Why are you putting that out?"

Seeing her looking guilty as hell, I scoffed.

So, she really felt ashamed. She couldn't face David's honest, clear gaze.

"Anna, Lauren's worried about you. Someone died here, after all." Michael jumped in, trying to explain.

"You two know exactly how David died, don't you," I said coldly, staring them down.

The broom dropped from Michael's hand, hitting the floor with a harsh clang.

The room was so quiet that it was almost frightening, with nothing but the wind howling outside.