Everyone hid things. Some buried their dirty secrets or tucked them away from sight. But no matter how much people tried to conceal the goodness in their hearts, it would always come forth as if seeking the light.
If a person wasn't used to being kind, they would feel awkward at first. They might reflexively go back to their old ways if other people noticed that spark of goodness in them.
Michelle saw Tim smile.
Even though the smile on Tim's face had already disappeared, Michelle smiled at him too.
It was a bright and encouraging smile.
She hadn't verbalized anything, but it seemed as if she had already said a thousand kind words with her eyes.
Even though she didn't know whether he was good or not, she treated him with dignity and respect—just like her parents did.
Such a gentle smile left a strong impact on Tim, reminding him that he didn't deserve any forgiveness. Even if he no longer held any malice for the world, he was still emotionally detached from everything in life.
In the end, the object of his longing would be his downfall.
Michelle's charming eyes and kind smile left a deep impression on him, making him want her even more.
However, the young woman was kind to everyone. He wasn't special to her at all. She would even help a homeless person with a hangover.
But Michelle was special to Tim, like a firefly in the night. He wanted to keep that firefly for as long as possible.
First, he had to catch it.
But now was not the time. He had to be patient.
Tim took out the warm milk and began to drink it. As he swallowed, the liquid went smoothly down his throat and into his stomach, warming him all over.
He calmed down.
As he took some more gulps of milk, he found himself in a good mood. He had not felt this way in many years, and once the feeling took root, it seemed to spread quickly.
Absentmindedly, he asked, "Which do you prefer: the mountain or the sea?"
He immediately regretted putting the question out.
He was more than capable of coming to a decision on his own.
And yet, he wanted her advice.
Michelle tilted her head and blinked back at him in confusion.
He amended, "If you had the choice, would you live in the mountains or on an island?"
Although Michelle didn't know why he had suddenly brought the topic up, she mulled over her answer and then decided, "An island. I've never lived on an island before."
What was more, Leon had lived on an island since he was born.
"I see," Tim replied, nodding slightly.
He didn't want to continue this particular conversation at the risk of exposing his plan so he changed the topic.
"I've sent you a friend request. Why haven't you accepted it?"
Tim frowned, looking fierce once again. However, Michelle was no longer afraid of him because she was convinced that he was capable of being good.
She had caught him smiling twice.
The first time was when he had a meal at her house, and the second smile happened just now. He seemed unaware that he had done it, but Michelle had noticed.
In reply, she said, "Really? I haven't received any."
How could that be?
He was sure that he had sent her a friend request.
Someone must have deleted his request, and he had a feeling he knew who had done it.
"Take out your phone and send me a friend request," Tim ordered.
"Huh? Oh, okay." Michelle thought that since they were neighbors, it should not be a big deal to become friends with him online. Tim took out his own phone, dictated his number and watched her send the request.
When she was done, she realized that it was getting late. Michelle said her goodbyes and quickly left.
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