“We’re going to miss you dearly. You’ve always been one of the most reliable people on the team.”
Words failed me, so I hugged her tightly, expressing my gratitude for all her guidance and trust over the years.
After wrapping up the paperwork, my coworkers insisted on treating me to a farewell lunch in honor of my new journey. I agreed and suggested a familiar place—one that Isaac and I often went to, where I knew the food would be consistently good.
Halfway through the meal, I excused myself to head to the restroom. But as I rounded the hallway, I bumped into Candice.
Her smile was bright, as if seeing me was the best surprise of her day. “What a surprise! I didn’t expect to see you here. Isaac brought me here too, back when we completed our coming-of-age rites. We’ve visited this place so many times since.”
I returned her smile with a polite one, not really in the mood for conversation. I stepped to the side, intent on leaving quickly.
But just as I was about to walk away, she called out again.
“I noticed something the other day… Isaac always rinses the shrimp in water before peeling them for you. Do you avoid spicy food too?”
Her casual use of the word “too” made me stop in my tracks.
In truth, I enjoyed spicy food. But over time, Isaac had made a habit of washing the shrimp in water before serving them to me, saying spicy flavors weren’t good for my health. I’d accepted it without much thought, assuming he was just thoughtful and looking out for me.
Now it was clear—he wasn’t thinking of me at all.
The one who didn’t like spicy food… the one whose preferences he remembered and cared for… was Candice.
Her head tilted subtly, eyes sharp and calculating as she examined my expression like she was solving a complicated riddle.
"I’ve been dying to say this since our first meeting—don’t you think we look uncannily similar, little sister?" she remarked, her voice laced with biting sarcasm.
Her words sent a jolt through my chest. My breath caught, and an involuntary glance at the mirror confirmed what I had always ignored. The resemblance between us was startling—identical hair color, matching eyes, and even the shape of her jawline mirrored mine.