Right now, I needed to focus on what was in that drawer.

I glanced at the key, inserted it into the lock, took a deep breath, and yanked open the drawer.

4.

I sighed as I looked at the pink envelope in my hand.

It was the love letter I'd written to Charles.

I'd been working on it for so long that I'd almost forgotten when exactly I'd first fallen for him.

Maybe it was back in senior year when I suddenly came down with acute gastroenteritis, and Charles insisted on taking me to the hospital, missing the math competition in the process.

Or perhaps it was during the school sports meet when I had a stomach ache, and he rushed to carry me to the infirmary without a second thought.

Then again, it could have been just a few days ago when I tripped, and he caught me, looking so worried as he asked if I was okay.

Whatever the reason, I couldn't help but think, "What's the point of teasing if you're not going to marry me?"

I remembered asking him once, "Charles, why are you so nice to me?"

He seemed taken aback for a moment before casually responding, "Huh? I'm nice to you? It's nothing special. We've been friends for over a decade, after all."

I thought, "But can there really be pure friendship between opposite sexes?

In our case, it certainly doesn't seem like it.

How could it be when I'm in love with him?"

I shook my head in resignation, considering tearing up the letter.

But for some unknown reason, I didn't. Instead, I tucked it away in a more hidden, less noticeable spot.

.....

"Lillian, I'm over here!"

As soon as I reached the bar, Jennifer's voice rang out.

I looked up to see her in a white dress, looking like a fresh-faced daisy, waving at me.

I jogged over. "Why are you still waiting by the door?"

"I was worried you wouldn't find me inside," Jennifer said with a sheepish smile.

"Seriously? You could've just texted or called me. You've been standing out here for ages. Come on, let's get inside. I'm treating tonight."

"I forgot, and it wasn't that long anyway."

I laughed and headed inside with her.

Since we hadn't reserved a table, Jennifer and I found a spot at the bar.

As soon as we sat down, I ordered a round of drinks and started drinking heavily.

Jennifer was taken aback by my sudden shift.

"Hey, Lillian, what's going on with you?"

I gulped down a large sip of my drink and said, "I'm heartbroken."

Her confusion grew. "Heartbroken? Since when were you in a relationship?"