“My mom raised me alone since I was a kid. I once swore that when I made enough money, I’d throw her a grand birthday party. But before I could do that, she was gone. I just wanted to share Brother Bryce’s joy, and maybe bring a little happiness to my mom in the afterlife.”
“If Brother Bryce finds this inappropriate, then we’re the ones who disturbed him. I’ll take my mom and leave right away…”
Carson wiped his tears, lifted the portrait with both hands, and stumbled toward the door.
At the threshold, he paused and looked back, his eyes red and wet with sorrow.
“Brother Bryce, I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t ruin your lucky hour. Please, go ahead and continue your birthday banquet.”
Before I could utter a word, Jenna rushed over, grabbed his hand, and pulled him tightly into her arms.
“Carson, you and Aunt Symonne don’t need to leave.”
“I already promised you. I will give Aunt Symonne a dignified, grand third death anniversary. I’ll keep my word.”
The tenderness in her eyes pierced through me like a blade. That gaze, it used to belong only to me, back when her love was still pure.
I remembered how my friends warned me over and over.