‘Thanks, Mum.’I hug them both from behind, and they quickly turn to kiss my cheeks on either side.I kiss the tops of their heads in return.I love my family, but a sharp pang runs through my chest every time I remember that I can’t share such moments with Apollo.‘Okay, my darlings, I’m heading out,’ I say, trying to distract myself from thinking further about him.
‘Are you meeting Cooper?’Appa asks teasingly as I reach the door.
‘Yessss,’ I sing-song as I walk out the door and close it behind me.
I reach the riverside as the sun slowly starts making its way to the horizon, leaving a trail of colours in its path.I pause for a second to take in the majestic beauty of nature and close my eyes to truly appreciate the parts of life that people often take for granted.I waltz towards our favourite bench, but Cooper is already sitting there.
A grin appears on my face as I run over to Cooper, give him a quick kiss and sit next to him.Cooper returns the smile, but he sits there silently, looking at me.‘Someone is in a good mood.Does that mean your presentation went well?’
‘It did!I’m glad it’s over now.But I am also looking forward to what’s next.’
A few seconds later, Cooper reaches behind him to grab something.He brings his hand forward to reveal a box that has ‘Cafe Leche’ printed on it.My eyes light up, and I involuntarily let out a squeal.‘This is a gift for finishing your course.’
I tilt my head to look at Cooper, gratitude overflowing in my heart.‘You know me so well, Mr Cooper Murphy, I hope this is the delicious pastry that I think it is.’
He nods towards the box in his hand, inviting me to open it.I grab it from his hands and open it, only to find a smaller box inside.I pick up the smaller box, and the velvety blue material is smooth in my hands.It looks like a jewellery box, and my heartbeat quickens as I look at Cooper.
Cooper’s hand immediately goes to his shirt’s neckline, and he pulls on it – a habit I’ve noticed that comes out when he’s nervous about something – but he’s trying to look normal so that he won’t ruin whatever surprise is waiting for me.‘Open it,’ he says softly.
I lift the top of the box open to find a small pendant tied to a silver chain.It was a dainty silver chain with a guitar pendant.
‘I thought you could always carry a piece of your brother close to your heart,’ Cooper says, his voice shaky.
My body goes rigid, and I am left speechless for a second as my mind races with thoughts.I stay silent without responding to Cooper.
‘Oh no.I made a terrible mistake, didn’t I?I’m sorry if this was insensitive because you did tell me that his inability to play the guitar after the accident worsened your brother’s depression.What was I even thinking?I shouldn’t have bought this.Let me take it back and retu—’ Cooper goes on a spiral.
I place a hand on his mouth to stop him from rambling further.I turn to face him, revealing my eyes shiny with tears.‘I love it, Cooper.This is so thoughtful of you.’I rub the pendant with my fingers as my heart resumes racing against my chest.My stomach tightens as I try to grapple with the fact that I have fallen in love with Cooper.And that opens the door to getting hurt.
12
Luna
Iwake from the soundof my notifications.I fell asleep on my desk after a long night of preparing and researching different countries where I have applied to do my PhD program.I need to know everything I can about the countries so I would be comfortable roaming around and not feeling unnerved about being put in an unknown situation, or worse, being lost.My fear of being underprepared for anything precedes most of my fears.
I lift my phone and swipe my finger across the nine dots to complete the pattern and unlock my phone.The first notification is Cooper’s message.Good morning, beautiful, have a wonderful day.
