Finally, Charles emerged from his room, sliding into his slippers, and replaced the cylindrical object with a key.
"Here you go. And try not to be so forgetful next time, alright?"
Charles handed me the key with a stern look.
I took it, mumbling, "Got it."
He nodded, and the key was now in my hand.
I looked up at him and grinned, saying, "Next time, I can be forgetful again."
Without waiting for his reaction, I dashed down the stairs.
Once I was on the first floor, Charles poked his head out and, with a flustered grin, called after me, "Lillian, you're something else! Just wait!"
I stuck my tongue out playfully and left Charles' place without a second thought.
Back home, as I stared at the key in my hand, tears suddenly welled up.
I thought, "Charles is taken... my crush is really over..."
Why am I crying?
Didn't I promise myself that letting go of the old would make way for the new?"
I took a deep breath and held back my tears.
Then, I dialed my best friend from college, saying, "Hey, Jennifer, meet me at Moonlight Bar tonight."
"Hey, Lillian, what's up? Why the sudden invitation to the bar?"
Jennifer Minogue's voice came through the phone, filled with confusion and concern.