14
I hadn’t celebrated my birthday since Kai’s
death. No one remembered it except him.
Chase reserved a private room at a
Cantonese restaurant. He went to get the
cake first; I arrived alone. I received a text
from an unknown number:
[I went to the orphanage.]
[Break up with him. Okay?]
No signature, but clearly from Noah. I deleted
it and blocked the number. Chase came in,
carrying a huge cake. It was way too much for two people.
“We can take it back and share it with your roommates,” he said, his tone gentle.
“Chase, I need to tell you something.”
<
He stopped me. “Let’s talk after midnight…
today, it’s just your birthday.” He pushed the
menu towards me. “Order whatever you
want.“.
I looked at the menu. “Whoa! 2000 per
person? Are you crazy?”
“It’s alright!”
“No, it’s not! This will eat up two months of
your allowance!”
“It’s okay…”
“No, no, let’s change restaurants.
“I’ve already paid a deposit…”
The door opened.
“Ethan. Come home with me.”
15
