The morning sun beamed its first rays through the window, waking the innocent, radiant face of the teenager. His eyelashes fluttered as he squinted against the bright light. Zoe rubbed his eyes and slowly opened them. He turned his head and saw Neil beside him, wrapped around him in a tender embrace. A slow, sweet smile spread across Zoe's face, full of innocence and affection.
Gently, he moved Neil's arm aside and got out of bed. After attending to his morning routine, he hurriedly made breakfast for Neil before leaving for school. The sky was drizzling lightly, and the air was thick with mist, reminiscent of the fateful afternoon Zoe had left.
When Neil opened his eyes, he found the bed empty. The warmth that had been there was gone. He jumped out of bed, running around the house searching for Zoe. In his heart, he clung to the hope that Zoe hadn’t really left. He dashed into Zoe’s room, but the room was deserted. Everything was in its place, except for Zoe’s backpack, which was missing.
The house was cold and silent, the emptiness pressing heavily on Neil’s heart. His eyes reddened and filled with tears as he buried his face in his hands, standing by Zoe's door, choking on his sobs.
Zoe was really gone, just like before, leaving without a trace and without a word.
Neil's heart ached terribly, as if a great black stone had fallen from the sky and crushed his chest, shattering his soul. No matter how many times he apologized, he couldn't bring Zoe back. What could he do now? He could only blame himself!
The whole day, Neil lay in bed, not going to work or feeling like eating.
In the afternoon, when Zoe returned home, he saw that the breakfast he had prepared was untouched. Perplexed, he set his backpack down and quickly went to Neil’s room. He tried to knock on the door, but it swung open as it wasn't locked.
Neil lay on the bed with his eyes closed, his face pale and devoid of vitality. Zoe approached and gently placed his hand on Neil’s forehead.
“Not hot at all! Your temperature is normal. Why are you lying in bed instead of going to work?” Zoe asked calmly.
Neil was startled by Zoe’s actions. He turned around, surprised to see him, and sat up, looking confused and struggling to find the right words.
“You... you didn’t leave?” Neil stammered.
“Why would I leave? Do you want me to?” Zoe asked.
“No, no, I...” Neil fumbled, then lowered his head.
“I thought that once you knew the truth, you would hate me, that you would leave me just like before, and never want to see my face again.”
Neil’s voice grew softer, filled with sorrow.
“You’re angry.” Zoe said.
Neil’s head drooped even lower.
“I’m angry about the accident, but I’m not angry at you.”
Neil lifted his head slowly to look at Zoe, listening intently.
“It was an accident, not your fault. What happened to me was like fate, something we couldn’t change.”
Zoe moved closer to Neil. “The day I came to return the necklace, I met an old lady selling silk flowers on the street. She gave me a silk flower, which I kept in my coat. After the shooting, I forgot everything and lost my ability to see spirits. Now that I remember everything, I still can’t see ghosts.”
He placed his hand on Neil’s face. “God gave me another chance to be a normal person and to be with you. Why would I leave you because of past mistakes?”
Neil was taken aback by Zoe’s actions and words, but then he smiled faintly. Overwhelmed with joy, he suddenly pulled Zoe into a tight embrace. Neil’s broad shoulders trembled, and his eyes filled with tears that soaked into Zoe’s shirt.
Zoe stroked Neil’s head with one hand and gently rubbed his back with the other, not offering words of comfort but instead teasing with a smile.
“Why are you crying like a child? And lying around in bed? You haven’t eaten the breakfast I made. Aren’t you hungry? Or do you think my cooking isn’t good?”
Neil quickly wiped his tears away and shook his head, afraid Zoe might be upset. He said hastily, “No, it’s just that I was looking for you and didn’t notice the food.”
Neil took Zoe’s hand. “I’m glad you didn’t leave. If you want to eat something, I’ll cook.”
Zoe asked seriously, “Can you cook?”
Neil hesitated, “I… I don’t know. I’ll order food. It’ll be here soon. Just wait for me.”
Neil hurried to find his phone, almost tripping over himself. Zoe watched and couldn’t help but laugh. Her police officer was so endearing—how could she ever leave him?
By the time they finished dinner, night had fallen, and the streets were quiet. The house, though spacious, was quieter than usual with the two of them sitting together, watching a TV program that had long since ended.
Zoe sat quietly beside him. Feeling a bit warm, he instinctively pulled his light sweater up for comfort. Neil’s eyes were glued to Zoe, and he awkwardly looked away, struggling to ignore the sight of Zoe’s bare skin.
Neil cleared his throat awkwardly and asked, “Aren’t you sleepy? The TV show is over.”
Zoe stretched and yawned. “Yeah, let’s go to bed.”
Neil stood up, heading to his room, but Zoe grabbed his hand and pulled him back. “You slept in my room last night, so tonight, you’re sleeping in mine.”
With that, Zoe dragged Neil into his room.
“Why do you look so grim?” Zoe’s soft hand rested on Neil’s forehead.
“Are you not feeling well?”
Neil shook his head. “No, I think I should sleep in my own room.”
Zoe pushed him onto the bed and lay on top of him. “Is it uncomfortable to sleep in my room?”
“No, but…” Neil started to protest, but Zoe’s hand tightened around his, and he buried his face in Neil’s neck, whispering, “Don’t you want to know what it feels like to be with me?”
“But I…” Neil’s body went rigid, unable to move. Zoe’s lips gently met his, and his hands moved to wrap around Neil’s waist.
Their kiss was a tender touch, their breaths mingling softly. Zoe’s voice was a gentle whisper, their lips brushing with each word.
“It’s my choice. If you refuse, you’ll forever be just my brother, and if that’s the case, I will really leave.”
Neil’s heart raced, and he could no longer hesitate. His strong arms wrapped around Zoe’s waist, and his other hand moved to the back of Zoe’s head, pulling him closer for a deeper kiss. Their bodies felt out of control, and without waiting for Zoe to part his lips, Neil gently pried them open with his tongue, intertwining with Zoe’s.
The kiss was passionate and intense, leaving both of them breathless. Neil’s hands moved over Zoe’s thighs, causing his whole body to tremble, and Neil’s embrace grew tighter, his kisses growing more fervent. He then flipped over, pinning Zoe beneath him. In a moment, their clothes were scattered on the floor.
Outside, the peaceful night brought a light, drizzling rain. Through the frosted window, the two bodies entwined on the bed were united in their passion, refusing to part.