“Sarah…” Jake hesitated, “If I didn’t want it,
he couldn’t hurt me.”
I frowned, “But you’re hurt.”
Jake, “Next time I’ll fight back.”
I laughed, “You want a next time?”
10
Guilty, Jake was exceptionally well–behaved
in the hospital.
He did everything I asked, occasionally acting cute.
Who could resist a man acting cute?
Our relationship blossomed in a few days.
On his discharge day, I met Jason downstairs.
<
His smile was indulgent, “Why didn’t you reply
to my messages?”
Honestly, I couldn’t recall how I pursued him.
I only remembered seeing him walk towards
me in front of Jake’s school.
We spent less than 72 hours together, mostly
with Jake around.
Even during the month we dated, we barely
met; his messages were few.
Sometimes, I’d chat with Jake.
We shared interests and talked about high
school.
We subtly stopped mentioning Jason.
Had Jason not died, Jake and I would’ve
ended up together, not because of Jason’s dying wish.
11
く
As I reminisced, Jason stood before me.
“There’s a great Sichuan restaurant nearby.
Want to try it?”
Jason and Jake loved spicy food; I preferred
mild flavors.
After marriage, Jake cooked mild dishes for
me; I’d occasionally make his favorite Sichuan
dishes.
Jason was different.
We didn’t eat together often, but he always
ordered Sichuan or Hunan food.
I thought loving someone meant
compromising; now I know good relationships
are about mutual compromise, not one–sided
self–sacrifice.
“Jason, I can’t handle spicy food.”
He was surprised, “Really? We ate hot pot,
<
many times. When did you change your
taste?”
I frowned, “Don’t joke. We only ate together
once, at a Cantonese restaurant Jake took us
- to. Don’t you remember?”
He’d forgotten and had memory issues.
I didn’t want to be entangled with him,
despite his motives.
“I have to go. Jake’s waiting.”
My wrist was grabbed.
I turned, my lips tightened.
“What’s the meaning of this?”
Jason’s smile faded, “He’s that important to
you?”
I said expressionlessly, “He’s my boyfriend.
Important or not?”
His grip tightened, his voice low, “Sarah, you
..ith Li__!!
く
liked me first. Why are you with him?”
“It was an excuse, to get close to him.”
I tried to pull away but couldn’t.
My temper flared.
“Jason, what do you want!”
He stared silently.
A beautiful woman approached, addressing
Jason, “Mr. Lee, the restaurant’s booked.
Shall we go?”
I’d never forget her.
She was Jason’s girlfriend.
