Chapter 4

Click-clack. The previously shattered world reassembled itself. This time we were at a college class reunion.

At this point, "I" was being pressured by friends to play Truth or Dare. My luck wasn't great - I kept drawing "Truth" cards.

Having a crush on Gabriel seemed to be my secret. Even after four drinks, I still wasn't willing to reveal it.

When the wine glass pointed at me again, the cheering from the others seemed even louder than before. My best friend grabbed my hand.

"We agreed, you can't drink five glasses in a row."

I clutched my phone, my head a bit fuzzy from all the alcohol.

The "Dare" I drew was: Call the first person on your contacts list and tell them "I'm drunk, can you come pick me up?"

The ringing of the phone had everyone on edge.

"Hello? What's up?" It connected! Gabriel's cool voice came through.

Even though I knew Gabriel didn't like me, my non-existent heart still skipped a beat as a disembodied soul.

My friend nudged me and mouthed: Say it!

Only then did I speak up coyly, my voice tinged with real drunkenness:

"Gabriel, I'm drunk. Can you come pick me up?"

My face visibly reddened. I was about to say something else when my friend snatched the phone and hung up. According to her, this was the way to hook someone - just enough ambiguity to be intriguing.

Sitting on the couch, I clutched my phone tightly, my heart pounding. I wasn't sure if Gabriel would come.

Gabriel was a surgical resident who had just graduated two years ago. It could be said this was his busiest time.

In the end, Gabriel didn't come. The one who came was Luke, his classmate who had competed with him for top of the class.

"No, don't go with him."

When I saw Luke's face, the defenses I had carefully built up suddenly crumbled.

I tried desperately to grab myself, but my hands just passed through my body over and over. Only then did I realize I truly couldn't do anything.