- 8.
Julian and I returned to our little shop by the lake. After we made our relationship official, the shop added a new service: painting.
Julian would roam the shop daily like he was patrolling his territory. Occasionally, when the mood struck him, he’d paint a small portrait for customers who complimented how well we matched.
Ayu was known only by his art, not by his person. No one knew that this seemingly laid–back, almost lazy employee was the famous Ayu. But even so, Julian’s outstanding art attracted many people.
Someone offered a large sum for him to paint a portrait, but Julian pouted. “No painting, no painting. Too busy spending time with my wife.”
So, on many beautiful, sunny days, the little shop would hang a “Closed” sign: “Boss and employee are out on a date! Closed for the day!”
Our unique style also attracted many interesting people, and the shop gradually became quite popular.
One evening, as the sky was ablaze with red and orange, a familiar yet unfamiliar person walked into the shop. He lingered at the counter for a long time, his intense gaze making me instinctively look up.
Alex smiled, his voice hoarse. “Could I get a cappuccino?”
He had lost a lot of weight, and there was a faint bluish stubble on his face. He seemed like an ancient well, calm and unruffled, yet with a hint of quiet lifelessness.
Sitting by the window, sipping coffee, Alex hesitated to speak several times. I remained silent, quietly calculating how long it would take
Julian to arrive on the scene.
The wind chimes hanging from the eaves jingled. Julian came storming in, carrying our little one. He headed straight for me, settling securely by my side.
In his arms, our fair–skinned, tender little girl wore a pink princess dress, her two adorable pigtails bouncing as she happily chewed on her fingers. She was utterly adorable.
Julian handed Daisy into my arms, giving me a mournful glance. “Oh, my poor baby, Mommy hasn’t seen us poor father and daughter for three
hours. Doesn’t she love us anymore, boo–hoo?”
Alex stiffly watched the family of three, his eyes hiding deep pain. After a long moment, he spoke, his voice strained. “Is this your child?”
Our little girl giggled happily in my arms, and I replied, “Yes, she’s one year old already”
“She’s very cute. Congrat–congratulations!”
“Thank you.”
The sky gradually darkened. My phone vibrated in my pocket. Mrs. Davis’s rambling voice came through the receiver. I nudged Julian, feeling a little guilty. “Mrs. Davis wants us two wild things to bring Daisy back.”
“Oh, right, it’s time to go home. I’ve got ribs simmering on the stove!”
Alex tentatively sipped his coffee, looking somewhat lost. Julian patted his shoulder. “The shop’s closing, by the way.”
“Then I won’t disturb you.”
Stepping into the twilight, the happy family of three walked towards the warm glow of their own home, nestled among the myriad lights of the city.
Watching their retreating figures, Alex clenched the hospital report in his pocket. It was the abortion report of his then–wife, discovered during
a thorough investigation of Isabelle’s injuries from that year.
He and happiness had missed their step, forever.
