“Mark,” I said, my voice shaking. “That marriage
arrangement… the one you set up for me?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m in. I agree.”
- 1.
“Ashley, are you alright?”
Mark’s voice cracked with worry after a three-
second silence.
His concern warmed me, but it also brought me
close to tears. “I’m fine, what could happen? I
just want a ring, you know? I’m not getting any
younger.”
Mark chuckled, a mix of humour and worry in
his voice. “Atta girl! By the way, I was going to
ask, isn’t your neighbor Danny? Is he living with
dogs now, he always hated them?”
10:01
100
I stuttered and paused, Mark always had a good
memory,
“Are you coming home for the wedding? Would
you like to meet him first?”
“No need, I trust you and dad to pick the right
one. I will be back as soon as I can.”
“Alright, should we invite Danny? I’m sure he’ll
marry Lily before you.”
Everyone knew that he was still waiting for his first love, just me living in a delussional dream. I
lowered my head, trying to hold back the tears.
“Don’t invite him, we broke up.”
Mark hesitated and asked “Why did you break
up?”
“His dog.”
Just as I finished the words, the door made a
sound. I quickly ended the call.
Looking up, I saw Danny with a grin.
“Dog? Who are you on the phone with?”
“My brother, just talking about your dog.”
“I don’t have a dog.”
Hearing that, Danny knew that I was implying
him. He tackled me and pinned me to the sofa,
grinning even wider.
“If I’m a dog, then what are you, huh? My little
puppy.”
I tried to push him away, but he pulled my hand
down his waist.
“Isn’t this what you like? My body?”
<
10:01
100
He came closer and his breath tickled my nose.
I used to blush at his actions, but now, it just
made me want to push him away.
While I was pushing him, a set of teeth marks
appeared on his neck.
My wounds on the legs started to hurt and I
couldn’t stop the tears from falling.
Danny panicked when he saw me crying.
“What’s wrong Ashley? Did I hurt you?”
He helped me up and looked around, finally
spotting the bleeding wounds on my legs.
“How did you get those? How did you get hurt
so badly? Why didn’t you call me?”
It was as if he didn’t remember the birthday
<
party at all.
I said nothing, debating whether to open the
mask that he was wearing.
“Don’t cry, I will go get you medicine.”
He kissed my forehead and walked away to
grab the first aid kit.
“You can’t take care of yourself, what will you
do without me?”
I stared blankly at his back.
That’s right, what would I do without him?
I have been chasing him for 22 years, 6 inseparable years.
But Danny, I have never wanted a fake you!
I had insomnia.
10:01
100
I woke up from a nightmare and crawled out of
his arms, sitting on the window side to stare at
the moon.
I must have fallen asleep and woke up to Danny
carrying me.
He sighed “Why are you sleeping here? You are
not wearing enough clothes.”
Before he could finish the words, his face
changed.
“Why are you burning up?”
I felt dizzy and couldn’t think straight.
I tried to push his hand away weakly.
“I will do it myself, just please get me a cold
towel.”
I had a difficult time speaking.
<
10:01
100
Danny easily removed my hands and said “How
many times have I helped you dress? Why are
you shy when you are sick?”
He forced me to wear clothes and carried me
into the car.
While he was waiting in line, Lily showed up
with red eyes and met his gaze.
“Danny..”
Danny quickly left the line and held her
shoulders, asking worriedly.
“What’s wrong?”
“I accidentally burned myself while cooking.”
She rolled up her sleeves to show the red burn
marks.
Danny’s eyes turned red and he started blowing
く
Danny’s eyes turned red and he started blowing
on her wounds gently.
“Don’t do things like this again, just tell me
what you want to eat.”
Lily nodded and smiled.
“You are the only one that treats me this well.”
Danny rubbed her head. “Of course, who else
would I treat nicely other than you?”
Lily looked at me sitting on the bench.
Danny completely forgot about me and was busy taking care of Lily.
See, that’s the difference between a sub and
the first love.
No matter how he acts, as long as Lily shows
up, I will become nothing.
I laughed painfully and dragged my body up,
lining up on my own to see the doctor.
I had a severe fever and needed an IV.
I went to grab the medicine myself, while feeling dizzy, and went to the IV station.
I fell asleep while the IV was in.
I got woken up by a child.
“Sister, why isn’t your boyfriend here with you? The IV tube was bleeding, my mom helped you
call the nurse. We are about to leave, but it’s dangerous to be alone.”
I thanked the child and his mother, staring
blankly at the medicine bottle.
It was afternoon when the IV finished, Danny
still hasn’t texted or called.
I tried to stand up and fell back down because I was too dizzy.
There was no way and I ended up calling Danny.
He was shocked and said “Sorry Ashley, Lily was in a lot of pain and didn’t like the smell of the hospital, I just wanted to take her home and find you..”
Before he could finish his words, I heard Lily’s
voice through the phone.
