When fate plays its hand

Miranda walked ahead of Paul. She’d clearly regained her composure and wasn’t as nervous as the night before.

Paul drove his car over, and Miranda got into the passenger seat. On the way, they passed by a fruit store.

Miranda suddenly asked, “Could you pull over here? Give me a minute. I’d like to go and get some fruits.”

“Fruits?”

“Yeah. For Dr. Young.”

Holding the steering wheel, Paul asked in confusion, “Is that necessary?”This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Miranda was puzzled. Suddenly finding it amusing, she asked him back, “Do you usually go empty–handed when you’re visiting someone?”

Paul nodded in all honesty.

Miranda was amazed. Perhaps that was how it was with big shots–such trivial things didn’t bother them.

That said, Paul still pulled over nonetheless.

Christine lived on Monte Road, which was near Bedford College.

Small bungalows lined the street, with the design incorporating a fusion of multiple architectural elements. Each bungalow had its own private entrance. Though simple, the buildings showcased cultural richness.

After passing through a maple forest, Miranda and Paul saw Christine’s house.

It had been six years…

Miranda tightened her grip on her seatbelt. Staring at the fruit basket by her feet, she suddenly cowered.

Paul sensed it. “Aren’t you getting out?”

-15 BONUS

Miranda bit her lip. “I need a second.”

Paul stared at her for a moment. Then, he nodded. “I’ll go ahead then.”

Miranda said nothing; she appreciated how he didn’t probe further. As she watched him leave, she took a few deep breaths. Then she unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car.

Flowers were in full bloom right then. Upon entering the premises, she caught a whiff of a faint floral scent.

Some

vegetables were growing in a patch near the fence. They looked limp and lifeless, probably because there’d been no one to tend to them since the one who’d planted them had fallen ill.

Before she entered the house, Miranda could already hear Christine’s voice. Her heart fluttered, and she quickly went toward Paul.

“Dr. Young.”

Christine put down the latest issue of “Journal of Biology” and adjusted her reading glasses. “Hm? Paul? Why have you come?”

Paul stepped forward to help her up. They slowly walked further in. “I’m here to visit you. Are you feeling better?”

“It’s nothing serious. All of you shouldn’t have bothered coming over.” She patted his hand and continued, “Thanks for your concern, but I’m fine. Fit as a fiddle!”

Paul paused before saying, “I brought someone else today.”

“Who could that be?” Christine looked puzzled.

She followed his gaze and saw Miranda at the entrance. Standing there like a meek little pony, Miranda hung her head like a child who’d broken a vase.

Christine’s eyes widened, and she instinctively took a step toward Miranda. However, mixed emotions and intentional aloofness soon replaced the look of pleasant surprise in her eyes.

“Why are you here?” she asked with a straight face.

“Dr. Young…” Mitanda felt helpless

Emotionless, Christine demanded sternly, “I remember someone declaring boldly she was going after her true love all those years back. You put

everything else aside for love. What are you here for?”

Miranda’s lips pressed tightly together, and tears rolled down her cheeks. ” Dr. Young… I’m sorry for disappointing you.”

“And?” Christine was rarely this solemn,

“And… I was wrong.” There was a pause before Miranda continued in a soft voice, “Is it too late now?”

“Finally…” Christine sighed, and her face softened. She asked, “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you to come? Six years. It’s been six whole years.”

Tears welled up in Miranda’s eyes. She choked up as she replied, “I–I didn’t know…” Had Christine been waiting for her to come all along?

“I’m glad you’ve finally come to your senses.”

However, there was no knowing how much heartbreak and hardship Miranda had been through for her to return to her senses. Christine felt sorry for her.

Miranda felt the urge to cry. Not being able to hold it back any longer, she threw herself at Christine. “Dr. Young…”