A Graduation Gift

Rufus and Amanda's earlier exchange came back to her. He sounded so gentle as he reassured her over the phone.

Thoughts began to swirl inside her head. She had been in love with Rufus for so long, and at times, he seemed to be so affectionate.

But it was not only to her. Both she and Amanda occupied a space in his heart.

The clock ticked rhythmically inside the office, the sound creeping thickly through the walls. Cassandra closed her eyes against the piercing pain that came with every heartbeat. When a heart got tired, even love became a burden.

"Amanda, why are you standing there in the cold?"

From afar, Rufus saw Amanda's figure in the doorway, her thin skirt fluttering against the wind.

She was sick, but she still stood in a draught.

Rufus pulled Amanda into the car and drove to the hospital.

"Where does it hurt? Is it your disease?" he asked.

When he found out about her condition, Rufus took it upon himself to learn more about the disease. From what he found out, her condition couldn't be cured; even the latest medical advancements could only control it.

Amanda nodded absentmindedly, her face blank.

"What's wrong? Are you in pain? Hold on. We'll be in the hospital soon."

Rufus felt himself toward Amanda's sorry state. She was lethargic and listless, like a dry leaf swaying in the autumn wind. It was no use denying their history. She was the girl who made him know what love felt like; although they had parted ways, they spent wonderful times together. He would always have a certain fondness for her, and he felt sympathy pour out from him as she suffered severely from an incurable illness.

"Rufus, if someone wants to hurt me, will you protect me?"

to Rufus. Her sudden question caught

one

gaze as a sad smile fell

name, because there was something else she wanted to hear from Rufus. Instead, she asked again, "How about you? Will you protect

hands that were folded on her lap were now twisting the fabric of her skirt, her

a sister to me. I will

waves

what it would mean. He was putting distance between them, so as not to lead her emotions.

the only thing he could give

attention back to driving, he didn't catch the subtle shifts in Amanda's expression. For the past days,

and played along. "Can I

quickened as she took in the sight of him. At that moment, she

"Sure."

Rufus's mind, her calling him 'brother' was an unspoken agreement—Amanda wouldn't be trying to go back to the time when they were

put a distance between them, true, but it was a necessary setback. There was more to the word 'brother' than met the ears. Even as it put distance between them, it left no room for questions or excuses if she asked him to stay with her as much as she

suddenly appeared at the back of her mind. Amanda shivered at the image of the man

eyes that followed her every movement. She knew it was absurd, but she could not shake off the feeling that

to this city? Shouldn't he be living an extravagant life, with wine and women to fill the hours of his days?

had met him twice in G

even with the sweetness of the words. The walls spun around her and she struggled for air. The next thing she knew, she was

crawled at the

smile, he had demanded everything from her. Not even murder could

whether he wanted something or not. He would get whatever he liked, whichever way necessary,

abandoned her like a piece of rubbish.