Can’t Win Me Back

After a while, Alyssa realized Jasper had disappeared. Leaving the party on her own, she ran into Mrs.

Rosie in the corridor. "Mrs. Rosie, have you seen Jasper?"

"Mr. Jasper went back to his room. I knocked on his door for a long time, but he wouldn't open it,"

Rosie replied, shaking her head. "With everyone here tonight, enjoying such a lively occasion, I don't

understand why he's isolating himself like a depressed teenager. It's so lame of him to call it a night this

early."

Alyssa frowned, her smile wry. She felt concerned, aware of how downcast Jasper could be on his

mother's death anniversary. Moreover, the confrontation with Javier at the cemetery likely brought back

painful memories. Returning to such a lively home must have stirred up his emotions.

"Mrs. Rosie, could you please entertain our guests on the balcony? I'll go check on Jasper."

door, taking a brief pause before gently

there?"

There was no response.

the delicious

Jasper was silent.

I understand that you must be missing your

the same way when I visit

as gentle as a dove. "Don't worry. I

really well from now on. I know you've always felt

Grandpa, Mrs. Rosie...

whole family with you. Family, friends,

anyone could have."

finish, the door

the darkness. In the

the door in the dark. Their breaths intertwined as their

slowly warmed up.