That night, she found herself once again at a bar with her colleagues.

Perhaps it was the remnants of a dream that made her feel embarrassed; she couldn't help but drink a bit more than usual. Horace was there, right by her side, cupping her face and telling her how much she reminded him of his first love. Shirley had once entertained the idea of marrying him, but hearing that comment snapped her back to reality.

No wonder Horace was so persistent; he was treating her as a stand-in for his first love.

She forced a smile, surprisingly not too hurt by the revelation.

"Why don't you go find your first love then?"

"She's settled abroad, married with a kid, seems happy. I don't want to disturb her peace."

So, another heartbroken soul.

Shirley sighed and continued to drink.

"How did you two break up?"

"It was my fault. I was so focused on my studies, ignoring her feelings. There wasn't anyone else, but distance and time apart did us in. What she needed most was companionship, and I couldn't even give her that." "After the breakup, you should've clarified things, tried to keep her."

"It was impossible to keep her. She's the type to love fiercely and let go just as easily. To be with me, she cut ties with her family. When she loved, it was passionate, and when she stopped, she let go completely. I'm not like her. She's successful now, happy with another man, and here I am, still stuck in the past."

Shirley didn't say much, just poured him another drink.

When Horace reached the peak of his sorrow, he began to cry, covering his face.

Shirley rubbed her temples, thinking this was not what she came for - to play therapist.

called her colleagues, handing

about to leave the bar, her mind

she frowned,

seemed to lock up, swallowing

"Abner?"

"Are you drunk?"

What about you? How long are you

her, slowly walking

a week. Next visit might not be until

meant another half a year

felt a pang of bitterness but didn't know what to

wasn't sure how

saw him as a younger brother, but facing the more assertive Abner after

no longer viewed

way.

year without seeing him. Ever since reconnecting with Abner,

face, she suddenly felt an

if

in silence for about ten minutes, Shirley

you want to

bit drunk, and Abner was now a grown

woman inviting a man upstairs had an obvious implication, clear

face,

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