Chapter 23
“When I first moved near your house, you were building a rocket in the sand, totally ignoring me.”
“My mom said you had a strange personality and told me not to play with you too much, or it would affect my intelligence.”
“Did she really?”
Stephen laughed a bit awkwardly, sitting up straight.
“And yet, you still ended up talking to me.”
“Why was that?”
“Because it started raining, and I just happened to have an umbrella.”
After saying this, they shared a look and burst into laughter.
As they laughed, Diana suddenly turned away, her eyes filling with tears she couldn’t hold back.
The memories of their past came flooding back, and she was powerless to stop them.
Stephen didn’t move, but he too remembered the girl who had once followed him everywhere.
Those days were gone, never to return. The ending was set, and nothing could change it.
To break the tension, Stephen started a conversation.
They exchanged stories, reminiscing from elementary school to high school and even university.
They even analyzed each other’s mistakes, trying to understand why their relationship had failed.
It seemed that they’d both finally let go.
The Ferris wheel rose higher, the wind blowing stronger.
Diana’s hair lifted in the breeze, sunlight casting a soft glow on her face.
“Stephen, I still love you.”
He nodded. “I know.”
“But I’ve finally realized that this past year taught me many things.”
“I’ve grown up now–I’m not the girl who followed you everywhere. I have to pay
for
my mistakes.”
Diana spoke sincerely as the Ferris wheel turned faster, knowing this was her last chance to talk to him.
“The Ferris wheel ride is almost over. It’s time for this dream to end too.”
“I’ll be moving to a new city, somewhere far away. I won’t bother you again.”
“I hope you’ll always be happy.”
When the ride stopped, they strolled together toward the exit.
At the crossroads, they prepared to part ways.
Stephen had many things he wanted to say but kept them to himself, simply watching as Diana boarded the bus and waved to him.
“Stephen, I’m leaving.”
“Yes, take care.”
In a blink, the bus was gone.
The fog cleared, leaving nothing behind.
Diana didn’t stay–she had finally left.
His doubts, regrets, and anxiety melted away in that moment, carried off by the breeze.
Stephen took a deep breath.
It was time for him to live his own life.-
Time flew by.
Another year passed, and late autumn came again.
During that time, Diana seemed to vanish completely, leaving no trace.
Stephen, meanwhile, moved forward, finding success at work and deepening his relationship with Rachel.
Soon it was his birthday again.
All the good and painful memories turned to mist as he turned twenty–six.
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Chapter 23
On that same day, he and Rachel chose to marry, celebrating both his birthday and their wedding.
“Stephen, happy birthday! And congratulations on your wedding!”
The wedding was lively and filled with joy.
Stephen kissed Rachel, who returned his kiss with equal warmth.
Finally, their dreams had come true.
“Stephen really looked out for us, holding his birthday and wedding on the same day. Now we only need to give one gift!”
Benjamin’s joke made everyone laugh.
Stephen smiled. “Since you put it that way, you’ll need to give two gifts, or else don’t bother joining us for drinks tonight!”
Benjamin was about to escape when a delivery arrived with a package.
“Is that your second gift?”
“No idea. Who ordered this?”
Everyone was curious.
When they opened the package, they found a cake with an anonymous note.
Seeing the message on top, Stephen understood and chuckled softly.
“Happy 25th Birthday, Stephen!”
(The end.)
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