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."

the room's door, taking a brief pause before gently

there?"

There was no response.

enjoy the delicious food outside. Everyone is

Jasper was silent.

about what happened today. I understand that you must be missing your mother.

I

her hand on the door panel, her voice as

on. I know you've always felt lonely, but don't forget, you

Grandpa, Mrs. Rosie...

family with you. Family, friends, the love of your life. You have

anyone could have."

finish, the

was abruptly pulled into the darkness. In the

form pressed her against the door in the dark. Their breaths intertwined as

slowly warmed up.