Rewriting My Heart's Fate

Hailee's eyes turned red, but she stubbornly held back her tears.

Staying longer would only make things more awkward, so I grabbed my bag and left.

As I walked along the empty street, everything seemed to have changed dramatically. The young man who used to be so young and carefree was now fighting over a relationship. Though he'd inherited his family business, he'd lost the freedom to choose love. I didn't know how long I'd walked, but I'd somehow ended up by the river. It was already evening by then.

The right breeze blew gently and carried a hint of chill, but it seemed to soothe the unease in my heart. I strolled alone on the street illuminated by streetlights as the scene from the cafe replayed in my mind, Love, responsibility, family interests. These words formed a web in my mind so complex that it felt inescapable.

There were some things I'd experienced that caused me pain. Even if I had the chance to start over, I wasn't sure if I'd get the answers I was looking for.

I stopped and looked up at the few stars in the night sky. There was a ripple of emotion inside me.

choices in this unpredictable world, and I was no exception. Perhaps it was time for me to learn to

my phone rang and

more

who sounded tired but sincere. "Eve, thank you for understanding and supporting me tonight. I owe you an explanation and Hailee an answer. Give me some time, and I'll handle this." [replied with a soft hum and tried to keep my voice calm and firm. "Alden, I believe you'll make the right choice. No matter what the outcome is, remember that we're all individuals with the right to pursue our happiness." After hanging up, I took a deep breath as if exhaling all my worries and burdens, I realized that

blew, and I felt a wave of exhaustion. Itumed around and

shimmered in the night sky as if stars had fallen to the ground.

walked home, I replayed scenes from the night and reflected on

cup of hot chocolate

the

bustle had slowly faded to leave only silence and solitude

and recalled how much I'd grown over the years. From a naive young girl to a woman who could stand on her