I started unpacking the gifts I had brought: sea cucumbers, bird’s nest, skincare products, cashmere sweaters, and thermal underwear.
The more I revealed, the more uncomfortable my brother seemed.
I made sure to speak loudly.
“Don’t be upset. These are all gifts Zack specifically got for Mom and Dad. I remember when Luna first came over, she didn’t bring anything.”
My brother forced a chuckle. “We can’t compete with you. Money’s easier to come by in the big city.”
“That’s not really fair,” I shot back. “No one’s money just falls from the sky. While I was working late, you and Luna were out drinking and playing cards.”
I let it all out, speaking my mind without holding back.
After I finished unpacking, I returned to the room and felt a surge of awkwardness.
Tonight, I was supposed to share a room with Zachary.
Looking at the cozy, well-made bed, I felt incredibly uneasy.
“Um, Zack, we have underfloor heating here.”
“Oh?”
“So, if you decide to sleep on the floor, it won’t be cold.”
“Norah,” he said, approaching with a pained expression, “I’ve been calling your parents ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad,’ and we’ve even set a wedding date. How can you expect me to sleep on the floor?”
That did seem pretty unfair.
I hurried to the bed and grabbed my blanket. “I’ll take the floor.”
“No way.”
He lifted me and the blanket effortlessly. “I can’t let you sleep on the floor.”
I tried to protest quietly, worried about being overheard by my parents, but it was futile.
Before long, Zachary and I were lying in bed together. I was so nervous, I didn’t know where to put my hands or feet.
“Norah,” he said softly, smiling with warm eyes.
“You worked late last night and traveled today. You must be exhausted. Just sleep.”
His voice was soothing and full of care, just like a real boyfriend.
Maybe it was the wine or just his kindness, but I felt tears starting to well up.
I struggled to keep my voice steady.
“Zack, thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” he said with a gentle smile, stroking my hair.
His hand was warm and comforting. “It’s late. You should get some rest.”
3
I slept deeply through the night and didn’t dream at all.
On New Year’s morning, I was in the kitchen with Mom, preparing breakfast.
Mom kept asking questions.
How did I meet Zachary? How long had we been together? What did he do for work? Where was he from?
I answered vaguely, struggling to keep up.
There were plenty of things I didn’t know myself.