Feel the Way You Feel, My Love

“Yes, Mommy.” The two kids nodded their heads.

Natalie gave them a kiss on each of their cheeks, put on a pair of shoes, and left.

After she reached the bar, she was guided by the waiter to the booth that Joyce had reserved.

At the sight of her, Joyce waved her hands. “Nat. You’re finally here. We’ve been waiting.”

“As your punishment, you have to finish one drink right now!” Joyce said as she passed her friend a drink.

Natalie smiled and was about to take the glass before she was stopped by Stanley. “What’s the matter with your hand?”

Stanley who was usually amiable looked stern as he noticed the cooling pad wrapped around Natalie’s hand.

Joyce noticed the cooling pad as well, and her smile faltered. “Yeah, what’s wrong with your hand, Nat?”

Natalie merely shrugged and replied nonchalantly, “It’s nothing. I got scalded from spilling hot tea.”

“Let me have a look.” Stanley took her hand and examined it. He had only let her go after making sure that she was being truthful. Sighing, he said, “Why are you so careless!”

Natalie gave him an awkward smile.

day that Jasmine gets locked behind

got up and clinked

of them sat back

another

a glass for Stanley since he was

Natalie and Joyce downed one glass after another. An enigmatic glint fleeted across his

what seemed like an eternity, Joyce burped and slumped against the booth

odd demeanor, Natalie put down her drink and checked on her.

swirled the glass of juice

was right. Relieved, she said, “Stanley, since Joyce is already drunk, let’s call it a night and

his juice and stood up.

the matter?” Natalie was puzzled as she looked at

removed his glasses, revealing his pair of deep-set

Natalie felt her vision going fuzzy as she looked into his eyes, her brains in

she might have been drunk as well. She closed her eyes and

after she opened her eyes, Stanley was nowhere to be seen. To

you here?”

to fetch you home.” Stanley’s

to send me home?” Natalie shook her head,