It was the dead of winter. The brutal north wind of Cabinda whipped across the streets, biting into the skin like a jagged blade.
Lawrence leaned against his car, dialing Bonnie's number over and over again. Every call went unanswered. Frustration rolled off him in waves, leaving his eyes bloodshot and restless.
Hours had passed since their explosive argument at the ski resort, which had ended with Bonnie storming off. The sky had already darkened, the temperature plunging even lower than during the day. The howling wind only amplified his panic; he was half a second away from calling the police.
Unable to find Bonnie anywhere, Lawrence had no choice but to wait outside her house. He was just about to get back into his car to continue the search when his hand brushed the door handle. In an instant, a violent jolt of electricity seemed to shoot through the metal and straight into his body.
Lawrence gasped, a suffocating wave of pain seizing his chest. A sudden gust of wind hurled dust into his face, blinding him. As he scrubbed his eyes, countless fragmented memories flashed violently across his vision.
He slumped against the car, clutching his chest as he fought for breath. When he finally opened his eyes again, the frantic anxiety was gone. In its place was nothing but utter bewilderment.
And profound confusion.
Why was he here?
The street before him was undeniably familiar. It was the road just outside The Cabinda School Faculty Housing. He had walked this path countless times during his student days, and later, after they were married, their family of three would often return here for dinner. Lawrence recognized the location the second he opened his eyes.
But it made absolutely no sense for him to be here.
After he and Bonnie tied the knot, she had purchased a beautiful duplex with a yard for her parents. Bachelor and Shirley had moved out of the faculty housing a lifetime ago.
The year Bonnie retired, Bachelor and Shirley had both passed away. No one from the family had set foot in this old apartment for decades. Bonnie had handled all the rental logistics herself.
Why on earth would a ninety-eight-year-old man drag himself all the way out here to reminisce?

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