Chapter 6

I don't know when Kieran left. By the time all the pills were back in the bottle, I was alone in the room. I sat amidst the wreckage, dazedly looking at the photo frame not far away, picking it up too.

The sharp shards cut my hand, red blood falling on the photo of me. The picture was a candid shot taken with Kieran in the ancient town’s street.

He bought candied haws, squinting with a smile, coming toward me, while I was looking at lanterns with my back to him.

The bustling crowd became the backdrop. Only the young man buying candy for his sweetheart and his love watching the lanterns were the leads.

The girl who took the photo gave it to me, wishing us, "A long-lasting relationship."

Back then, Kieran held my hand, fingers interlocked. He whispered in my ear: "Get better soon, Adeline. We’re meant to last."

I really wanted to get better. So I actively sought treatment, took medication. In the past, I was the only one hanging on, relieving my mental anguish with physical pain when despair hit.

As long as I didn’t die. As long as I didn’t break my promise to her. That was enough.

Later, when Kieran appeared, I started seeing a doctor. When I was one step away from escaping the abyss, the hand reaching out to me pushed me back. I fell into darkness again.