No Strings Attached

Clara had long been tired of staying at home every day, unable to sleep at the mere thought of going out. Her eyes were wide open throughout the entire journey, curiously observing the city's night scene as they drove.

The car meandered from the city to the suburbs, and the winding mountain roads finally rocked Clara to a drowsy state. After what seemed like an eternity, she heard lan calling her. "Honey, we're here." Clara opened her sleepy eyes to darkness, with countless twinkling stars at the end of it.

The sky was pitch black, and the night was silent. Gone were the city's clamors, replaced by the faint chirping of insects.

Only then did Clara realize they were parked on top of a mountain. Above them was an endless night sky. She stared at lan, ecstatic. "lan, where is this?"

lan took her hand as they stepped out of the car, pointing towards a viewing platform ahead. "This is the best place in Northbridge to stargaze. There's a telescope over there. You should take a look." The night air was chilly in the mountains, so he draped a jacket over Clara's shoulders and led her to the platform.

flashed before Clara's eyes, much like the stars above. Clara slowly walked up to the platform, and just as she was about to peer through the telescope,

11, personally.] Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to

smiled, tilting his chin slightly as if to encourage

the secret of No. 11, nor did she know what the letter contained. But judging by the wear of the envelope, it seemed to be years old. Clara

brought

gone abroad for an eye treatment and should return in a month, Thope you overcome your demons soon. Here's my address and phone number, hoping to see you

hadn't abandoned her. He had left her a letter that she never received.

tears flowed unceasingly. Had she seen this letter back then, she would have definitely sought

years to

slowly approached.