Irvin looked at me and nodded in encouragement, "Go ahead."
I had been living here for too long. If it weren't for those painful memories, I would think that I had been living so peacefully for my entire life.
I drew a deep breath and said, "I want to move downtown." Looking at his slightly darkened face, I continued, "Thank you for hosting me for so many days, but I can't bother you any longer. I can't hide here and let you take care of me forever."
"You're right. I have to walk out of the pain on my own. No one else can help me. Jarold City is a large city with many opportunities, so I think I can start my own life there."
Although the past hurt, I had to move forward.
Irvin forcefully put down the glass in his hand and replied in a low voice, "I can't help you with your grief, but I can care for you for as long as you're willing to stay here. You don't have to worry about a thing."
I forced a smile, "But I don't want to." It was cruel to say this to him, but I had to.
His good- looking face froze. After a long silence, he finally agreed, "Okay then. I'll help you move back to Jarold City. But you have to promise me that you will call me whenever you need anything."
I nodded, feeling grateful for his consideration. Tears welled up in my eyes, I said with a smile, "Of course!"
After a pause, I continued, "I'm thinking of going back during the coming holiday. It'll be easier for me to settle down."
Irvin frowned at that and said, "You aren't fully recovered yet."
"I'm all good!" I insisted. He had always treated me like a porcelain doll, but I wasn't. I added, "I've done nothing for two months. Besides, I can still rest and nurse my health in Jarold City. I'll get an easier job."
He contemplated my words for a moment, finally reluctantly nodded, and said, "If so, I'll arrange a job for you. You don't have to worry about it. As for accommodation, I also have a couple houses downtown. We'll see where you're going to work and find you the nearest place to live."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Pretty Sweetheart (Arianna)
How do you save these stories so you can pick up where you stopped...