When There Is Nothing Left But Love

“Grandpa had been in poor health these last few years. He passed away from rectal cancer…” I trailed off, unsure of what else to say.

The coffee cup she was holding fell, and a loud crack was heard as it shattered on impact. In a panic, she got up to pick up the shards, but a waiter quickly stepped forward to handle the mess.

Sally’s voice trembled as she apologized profusely for her carelessness.

The waiter hurriedly shook his head and tried to calm her down. “It’s really nothing, ma’am. I just need to clean this up.”

I stretched out my hand to help her up, not knowing how to comfort her. I knew that her apology was not actually meant for the waiter but her deceased father.

Soon enough, Sally was able to regain her composure. Ever the elegant woman that she was, she was able to recover quite quickly from the earlier mishap.

However, her expression was no longer as composed as it was when we entered earlier. Even though she was smiling, it was strained.

“It’s getting late, Aunt Sally. Let’s head back.” I figured that after this revelation, she’d likely not be in the mood to continue shopping.

Sally nodded. “Yeah, let’s go. You should be resting after a full day out.”

Since I was fumbling around with my bag, I also failed to notice that Sally had stopped in her tracks on her way out. I looked up immediately, only to be surprised by what I saw.

It was just our lucky day.

to be standing at the entrance of the cafe. Behind

let’s go somewhere less filthy,” said Sharon cruelly. The expression on

at me and

but were stopped by a well-intentioned waiter. “Are you here for coffee? Where would

her eyes on Sally the whole time. “Well, your establishment seems to be more suited to entertaining notorious maneaters.” She

was taken aback and turned to look at Sally

commotion had attracted the attention of the other patrons. Soon, whispers

is wrong with

the lady in white is a scion of the Fullers, a prominent family here in J City. I think her name is Sally or something like that. I heard that she was his mistress for a good number of years but only became his official wife in the last two years

unhappy about this. How can such a prominent family let the

Maybe it’s

that the couple are about twenty years apart. Doesn’t this age gap

was far from subtle. Sally glanced pale-faced at Sharon but did not say much else.

to move in Sally’s way, thus blocking her path. “What’s the rush? Everyone is curious about your little love story, so why not tell everyone what

in public, doesn’t mean everyone else likes it too.” I was aware that I was being a little harsh,

you sure I’m the one without self-respect here?” Sharon was angered by my words, and her voice immediately went up by a few octaves. “Just who the hell do you think you are? What gives you the right to be

you’d like us to, just keep going as loudly as you can. I dare you. By tomorrow, you’ll be

and gestured at both