Chapter 10
The next day, I finished up all my school stuff and checked my luggage one last time.
At noon, I took my roommates out for lunch as a farewell.
As I was walking out of the restaurant, Mason called me.
I answered, but he didn’t say anything.
I figured he must have accidentally dialed me.
I was just about to hang up when he finally said, “When are you coming home?”
I was surprised.
I couldn’t help but think he might have meant to call Lacey.
But I answered, “I’m really busy with school, so I won’t be able to.”
Mason, though, wasn’t ready to drop it. “What about tonight?”
I wasn’t sure what he meant by this.
So I made up an excuse. “I’ve already got plans with some classmates tonight.”
There was another long pause.
After a while, he awkwardly added, “Today is Ruben’s and my birthday.”
I didn’t know what to say for a moment.
For years, I had been the one planning their birthdays.
I would get cakes, arrange places, and choose gifts way ahead of time.
Ruben was always busy with his students, and Mason was caught up with work and didn’t like big parties.
Every year, I got everything ready and then practically forced them to celebrate, making them put on surprised faces.
But this year, I completely forgot.
I was at a loss for words. All I could say was, “Sorry.”
It sounded stiff and formal.
There was another long pause.
When Mason spoke up again, his voice was a little rough, “Come back for dinner. I’ll make it.”
I wasn’t really up for it.
He added, “The maid took Lacey to her night class.”
The cold wind was biting as I walked.
I finally gave in. “Okay.”
This time, it was really going to be the last dinner with them.
When I got home, Mason was cooking in the kitchen.
At twilight, Ruben was smoking at the front gate.
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Chapter 10
251 Mouchers
It was freezing cold. Under the streetlight, I noticed his pale face turning blue.
For a second, I thought he was waiting for me.
As I got closer, he must have choked on the smoke and coughed a couple of times.
I didn’t really have anything to say to him now.
might
So I casually said, “You might want to cut down on smoking.”
Without saying anything, Ruben immediately put out his cigarette.
I was taken aback. I didn’t really think he would listen to me.
As I walked in, Mason poked his head out from the kitchen, holding some tableware. “Wash your hands. Dinner is ready.”
My eyes suddenly welled up.
Over dinner, Ruben casually mentioned a trip to Northbeech to see the aurora borealis.
“Since you’ll have time off too, I got an extra ticket. You should join us.”
Chapter 11
