Part 1

SHANE'S POINT OF VIEW

"Do not hurt yourself. Do everything you can to be happy."

"I do not want to." I shook my head as I wiped away my tears. "I cannot afford to be happy, Charles. I cannot be, as long as you are not with me."

"Enjoy your life, Shane. Do not bury yourself in grief."

"But—" I stopped trying to speak when he hugged me tightly.

I really miss this. I miss his every hug – his presence beside me.

"Please. If you cannot do it for yourself, do it for me, Shane," he pleaded.

I went silent and just felt the warmth of his hug while closing my eyes because I knew it would not last long.

"Please, Shane. Do not drown yourself in grief." After he said that, he kissed my forehead.

I sat up in bed. My eyes scanned the room. I slapped my palm on my forehead. It was just a dream. I thought that it was true. I rested myself back.

Another bad day for me. Still, I will keep on being an idiot here in the room all day. Nothing to do. Boring.

Why does your love hit too much on me? Huh, Charles? Why do I love you this much?

"Miss Shane, please, have your breakfast."

I combed my hair and then tied it up. I opened the door and saw our maid.

"Morning, Yaya," I greeted and forced a smile. Of course, I would look rude if I frowned.

I took the tray of food before closing the door. I laid it on the bed and sat down. Even though I had no appetite, I still forced myself to eat.

This is how my daily life goes since Charles died of cancer. Maybe, you are wondering who I am to him.

Hi! I am Shane Smith – his girlfriend and his soon-to-be wife . . . almost.

I just sighed when I realized I looked like a madman confined to a mental hospital.

Out of boredom, I opened a window near my bed. The cold wind blew and came inside.

I sat on my bed again. I heard my phone ring. I quickly pulled it out of the right pocket of my blue shorts. My forehead creased when I saw May's name on its screen.

It had been a long time since she had last called me. I cannot blame her. Of course, as a friend, she gives me space in times like this.

"Hello, May."

"Hello, Shane."

"Why did you call?" I asked directly.

"We need to talk."

I rolled my eyes. How many days have I not talked to her, had her brain been shaken?

"We are talking," I replied, obviously stating.

"Come on! I mean, we need to talk personally. Meet me in our usual restaurant."

Uh, it looks like I was the one at fault.

"About what?" I questioned lazily. I know this. She is trying to cheer me up.

"Surprise!" Whoa, she even laughed.

"Just come here. Please." I rolled my eyes again. At first, her voice was mature, now, it is of a child's.

Wait, what?! What 'here'?! Is she already there?! And waiting for me?!