Chapter 16: The Secret

I leave the school grounds after hearing the recorded audio. I set out on my own in the direction of the playground. I sat in one of the swings and inhaled deeply.

I was baffled as to why people are willing to do things for the sake of love. Hurting someone just to get your love's attention. Love has the ability to poison one's life. I fix my gaze on the sky.

"Your thoughts are too deep, Miss," someone said as I continued to stare.

"I avoid interacting with strangers."

"My name is Heracleo, and now I'm no longer strange."

"Can you tell me what you want?"

"You are free to share your thoughts with me."

"Why would I?"

"It is not good for a woman to keep her thoughts to herself; it will kill her slowly."

"How did you figure that out?"

"It's just that women are fragile."

"All right, but I'm not going to share."

"It's fine if you don't want to share it with me; I understand."

"I appreciate it."