Shirley had her fair share of troubles at work, but she wasn't planning on sharing any of that with Abner.

Cradling a glass of wine, she asked, "Do you have friends at school?"

"Yeah, my desk mate."

"That's great. I was worried you might not fit in. Everyone's nice to you in class, right?"

She had never broached these subjects with Abner before. In the past, she thought providing him with enough money was ample care. But ever since she realized how fragile his heart was, she began to reassess her actions.

"Yeah, everyone's pretty cool."

Shirley breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back.

This bar was her favorite spot, and tonight, she couldn't resist indulging in a couple more drinks than usual.

"When I first met you in Maplewood, you were quite thin, but your eyes sparkled. You were wary of me, like a little wolf cub that meant no harm. I offered to sponsor your education on a whim; after all, I was just a student myself, not thinking too far into the future."

"Abner, but I'm someone who sees things through. Once I've started, I won't abandon you until you've graduated from college. So, don't worry, trust me, okay? Work's got me tied up, and I have a flight to catch tomorrow. There's a ton waiting for me abroad, and the time difference makes me hesitant to message you, fearing I might disturb your rest. Just focus on enjoying your time at school. I'm not even asking you to ace your studies, just be healthy and happy, that's all."

"The semester is almost over. By the time I return, you'll have been in your senior year for a month. I feel inadequate for not being there more for you. But next time, when I come back, I won't be leaving. You'll be graduating, and I'll have finished my program with my advisor, ready to stay on and teach."

Her eyes curved into smiles, and she tousled his hair gently.

"If I don't reply to your messages, don't worry, it's not that I don't care about you."

a warm and moist sensation in his

and hugged Shirley

towering figure, but

hard abroad, having

that not

Shirley and found out she indeed had returned but hadn't

on? Mr. Davis should have been informed about their breakup; why hadn't

but then he overheard someone say, "Look over there, such a handsome young couple. Young love is always so

and there he saw Abner, with

base one, yet

scalp was about to explode, his entire being seething

the conversation around him pulled back

Albright Jr., how are things going with

up leading his colleagues to believe she was his

at the

now, faced with the question,

of

indignation. He and Jessica weren't an item; why should he feel

be feeling guilty was Shirley, already

tipsy, strands of her hair falling delicately on her cheeks, enhancing her gentle

reached out, offering her a piece of fruit

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