“Luigi, as long as you’re here, I’m not afraid of the dark anymore.”
I had no idea how much time passed, but eventually, the lights flickered back on.
The elevator descended normally.
As soon as it reached the first floor, I staggered to my feet and rushed out.
I drove straight home.
Mom had sent me a list of wedding venues to choose from, but I wasn’t in the mood to pick any.
I just sat there, quietly watching the clock hands move.
I don’t know how long it was before Zelda came back.
She brought a bundle of lavender and some food.
I opened the container—it was baked Ziti.
Zelda had forgotten that I was allergic to gluten.
Yet she still apologized with a self-satisfied air.
“See how much I care about you? I even remembered that you hadn’t eaten. Hurry up and eat it while it’s warm!”
I removed the lid and ate all of it.
Almost instantly, rashes broke out on my skin.
“Oh no, how did you have an allergic reaction?”
Zelda covered her mouth in surprise.
But I didn’t care.
“Your birthday’s coming up. Come back. Let’s celebrate it together.”
She froze for a moment, and then she quickly nodded.
I got up and went to find my allergy medicine.
As a busy man, I never really learned how to cook properly.