Love Unspoken

Getty's smile froze, turning into an awkward grimace before she forced it back into a strained smile. "I was just kidding! Why so serious? You really had me going," she said, her laugh nervous. Alexander's lips curled into a slight smile. "Me too, just joking."

The restaurant was was buzzing with people coming and going. But in the middle of it all, Quinn sat alone, waiting for hours with no sign of Alexander.

She rested her chin in her hand, her gaze fixed on the window, watching the multitude of lights gradually fade as the once-bustling streets grew sparse and deserted.

As the restaurant emptied, it was as if the tide had receded, leaving behind a desolate silence. The world outside darkened, and the restaurant lights dimmed until none remained. The person who had promised to celebrate her birthday with her never appeared.

"Mrs. Kennedy?" A voice called from behind her.

Startled, Quinn was brought back to reality. She turned to see the Manager standing beside her, accompanied by two waitstaff. "We're closing up for the night," he explained, a smile on his face.

Quinn was slow to comprehend. She looked around at the dimly lit interior, only to realize she was the last patron left. Disappointment didn't quite encapsulate her feelings. It was more akin to a familiar sense of emptiness.

long, not really. Compared to the endless days and nights spent alone in an empty house, five

cake. "Mrs. Kennedy, since today is your birthday, we have a cake prepared for you," said the waiter, placing it before

"It's almost midnight. Please enjoy your

flickering candles cast a warm glow on the cake's surface, but Quinn saw only pity

thought, her eyes closed. She made no wishes. In her experience, making wishes in front of birthday cakes never seemed to work

the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for

silhouette. He had seen her sitting there for hours after a man had made arrangements and

slice the cake. She divided it up, and the Manager, chuckling, accepted his piece. He took out a plastic figurine from his pocket and handed it

figure, smiled, and nodded her

a bite of the cake. But as the rich, buttery cream hit her palate, her stomach

the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is