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.

colleagues, handing over Horace

leave

found her waist that she frowned, ready to scold,

seemed to lock up, swallowing all her

"Abner?"

"Are you drunk?"

drunk. What about you? How

steadied her, slowly walking her

a week. Next visit might not be

meant another half a year without

a pang of bitterness but didn't

wasn't sure how she

younger brother, but facing the more assertive Abner after five

no longer

way.

since

face, she suddenly felt an overwhelming

didn't leave either, as if waiting for her

standing in silence for about

you want

and Abner was

a man upstairs had an obvious

returned to her face, making Shirley feel somewhat

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