After what felt like an eternity in that surreal cave, Eric eventually escorted Evangeline back to her unit. It was already at the early hour of the morning, and the night sky gradually brightened.
"Thank you, Eric. That was the best birthday ever since I can remember." Evangeline beamed, stopping in front of her door. But Eric remained silent as ever.
". . ."
". . ."
Evangeline sensed that something was odd with the silence. The light, romantic atmosphere moments ago entirely vanished, replaced by something heavy. Like someone died or something. Throughout the journey home, Eric did not say a single word, which made her apprehensive.
She stared over and found him already staring at her with a complicated gaze while his face returned to its usual stoic look.
"What is it?" she asked.
Eric remained pensive, his eyes turning dull and lifeless.
"Angel Lin . . . about what she said . . ."
