My heart clenched. I called out instinctively, “Zelda! Zelda, are you okay?”
She trembled and gave a soft “Mm.”
In the darkness, I heard the rustling of fabric.
“Zee, hold me tight. Don’t be scared.”
“Luigi…”
A man’s gentle voice comforting her.
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.
There had been another time, long ago, when Zelda and I got stuck in an elevator together.
The lights had suddenly gone out, and the elevator had stalled between floors.
She had trembled uncontrollably, her body drenched in cold sweat.
Zelda rarely lost composure in public, but that time—she had buried herself in my arms and refused to let go, clinging to me like a needy kitten.
But now, she didn’t need me anymore. She trusted Eugene without hesitation.
I could still remember the softness of her in my arms.
But she shattered that memory with her own hands.
“Luigi, as long as you’re here, I’m not afraid of the dark anymore.”
I had no idea how much time passed, but eventually, the lights flickered back on.
The elevator descended normally.
As soon as it reached the first floor, I staggered to my feet and rushed out.
I drove straight home.
Mom had sent me a list of wedding venues to choose from, but I wasn’t in the mood to pick any.
I just sat there, quietly watching the clock hands move.
I don’t know how long it was before Zelda came back.
She brought a bundle of lavender and some food.
I opened the container—it was baked Ziti.
Zelda had forgotten that I was allergic to gluten.
Yet she still apologized with a self-satisfied air.
“See how much I care about you? I even remembered that you hadn’t eaten. Hurry up and eat it while it’s warm!”
I removed the lid and ate all of it.
Almost instantly, rashes broke out on my skin.
“Oh no, how did you have an allergic reaction?”
Zelda covered her mouth in surprise.
But I didn’t care.
“Your birthday’s coming up. Come back. Let’s celebrate it together.”
She froze for a moment, and then she quickly nodded.
I got up and went to find my allergy medicine.
As a busy man, I never really learned how to cook properly.
The only dessert I can bake decently is cupcakes.
But for some reason, every attempt I made today failed.
I didn’t want to waste food, so I silently ate all the failed cupcakes.
I counted the time.
Once Zelda came back and finished celebrating her birthday, it would be time for me to leave.
But in the end, I didn’t get to wait for her.
She called me.