Shattered Longings

Chapter 31 Never Wanted to See Him This Badly Before

That night, Bella was plagued by restless nightmares. When she finally woke up, the details of the dreams had already faded, leaving behind only a lingering sense of panic and fear. It felt as if she had lost something in her dreams, but she couldn’t remember what it was.

The morning sun was shining brightly outside, and after her usual routine of tending to the flowers and plants in the courtyard, she decided to buy some fruit and fresh flowers and visit Dorothy’s grave.

It was her first time visiting since she had returned. She couldn’t quite explain it, but she had felt a subtle resistance before, maybe even fear.

Perhaps it wasn’t resistance but rather a deep fear that the grave would remind her that everyone she cared about had left her, leaving her all alone.

The grass around the cemetery was lush, with tall, nameless trees providing shade. A gentle breeze rustled through, as if afraid to disturb the peaceful atmosphere.

The small black–and–white photo on Dorothy’s tombstone was dust–covered, making it hard to see clearly. Bella used her sleeve to carefully wipe it clean, revealing Dorothy’s gentle smile. She smiled back.

“Mom, I’m here.”

In the lower–left corner of the tombstone, there were a few lines of small text listing the people connected to the deceased. Bella’s name was there, along with Richard’s.

Bella

“Friend, Richard Miller“.

Dorothy had been just ordinary friends. If that had been the

the end, at least she could have stood in the light, openly telling him that

liked him.

she heard footsteps approaching

the same man who had brought a child

way to work. When

around the cemetery was quiet and secluded, with hardly anyone around. Upon realizing this, Bella’s heart started to race with fear.

by taking a different

and flailing her arms, but the strength difference between them was too great. The man’s large hand clamped down tightly

give. 1t, and then

your life, but no, you had to push

only able to make muffled sounds as tears welled

see Him