Harry: [Rosie told me yesterday that she went home to accompany her mother. Could it be that she hasn't come back yet?]
Rachel: [It looks so delicious! @Rosie]
Harry: [@Rosie]
Harry: [@Rosie]
Harry had also posted a photo of a full table of dishes in the group.
As I looked at the photo, I noticed that almost all the dishes were Rachel’s favorites. Rachel didn’t eat spicy food, but I loved it. I almost couldn’t live without chili. Yet, there wasn’t a single spicy dish on the table, which made the spread look rather bland to me.
It hit me that this was exactly how things had been in my previous life. I barely touched the food because it didn’t suit my taste. I had consoled myself then, thinking that Harry was catering to Rachel’s preferences as a guest and had ended up drinking too much, retreating to my room in a drunken haze.
I reminded myself that Harry’s intention was likely to make Rachel feel special. But as I watched the rain pour down and the storm rage on, I couldn’t shake the feeling that things were eerily similar to before.
Rachel: [Your friend poked you.]
Rachel: [Your friend poked you.]
Rachel: [Your friend poked you.]
Rachel: [Rosie, reply, if you don't reply, we will call the police @Rosie!]
The message from Rachel, sent just two minutes ago, shocked me. The thought of wasting police resources and the possibility of being exposed made me anxious.
I quickly typed a response.
[Oh, oh, I’m here. I watched drama all night and just woke up. Sorry for making you worry]
[I’m still at my mother’s house. It’s raining too hard now and she won’t let me go home. Don’t waste this table of food. Eat it. I’ll treat you to a big meal later to make up for it.]
Harry and Rachel’s responses came almost immediately.
Rachel: [Okay, Rosie, then we won’t call the police.]
Harry: [Hey, there’s also cake. You’re out of luck.]
Harry: [Just kidding. I’ll make it up to you when you come back.]
I sneered and tossed my phone aside.
The news broadcast crackled to life.
“According to experts' predictions, this heavy rain will last for about three months. Please pay attention to safety, go out less during heavy rain and protect your personal and property safety.”
I got up and opened the curtains. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled outside. The rain hammered against the window like stones, making it tremble under the force. The sight was both mesmerizing and nerve-wracking.