Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 71

Chapter 36

Those inexplicable feelings of affection, those overly deliberate encounters, those emotions that seemed to come from nowhere.

In his ears, Linda's earlier words echoed - "Ivan, why do you think the protagonists in novels drift apart? Is it because of their own choices, or the novelist's merciless manipulation?"

Ivan... why did we drift apart...

No, Linda... no...

We didn't drift apart, Linda. I never wanted to drift apart from you...

A fierce desire to live surged within him, like a final spark igniting in the depths of despair.

He opened his eyes suddenly, swimming with all his might toward the light, toward his moon.

Toward that faint glimmer of moonlight.

He kicked his legs forcefully, his arms thrashing through the water, trying to break free from all the chains and restraints.

But every effort felt so insignificant.

The river's cold embrace coiled around him, turning his struggles into futility.