Chapter 16: A Faded Memory
The Familiarity of Time
Four years had passed, but as Valerie looked around, she couldn’t help but feel that nothing had changed. The same streets, the same old benches, the same faded buildings. It was as if time had stood still in this place.
Yet, Terrence’s expression was different. His frown deepened as he scanned their surroundings, clearly dissatisfied with the environment. The contrast between them was jarring—where Valerie saw nostalgia, he saw discomfort.
Terrence’s Unspoken Longing
Terrence turned to her, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as he spoke, a hint of hopefulness in his voice.
“Actually, we can be like when we first started dating.”
Valerie’s heart tightened at his words. Those were the days when things had been simpler, when there had been no quarrels, no Margaret—just the two of them.
But reality had a way of crashing in. And for Valerie, the memory was tainted with the discovery that had shattered their fragile happiness.
“If I didn’t find out about Margaret’s existence, perhaps we could be like we used to be.” Valerie’s voice was a little cold, tinged with bitterness.
Time couldn’t reverse what had already happened. What was lost could never be regained.
A Fleeting Moment of Hope
Terrence’s grip on her hand tightened as he spoke again, trying to reassure her.
“Margaret’s matter will be solved soon, and we can be like we used to be then!”
He looked at her with such intensity, his voice firm. His touch was warm, but Valerie felt a deep chill run through her. His words, though full of conviction, felt empty. She could no longer believe in the empty promises he had offered so many times before.
When he realized her hands were cold, he gripped them tighter, his panic evident.
“Valerie, believe me. We can go back and be like we used to be…”
For a fleeting moment, something in her heart quivered. She wanted to believe him, wanted to give in to the fantasy of a past that had never really existed.
But she only whispered, her voice barely audible.
“There won’t be a chance anymore. Tonight…”
Before she could finish her sentence, the sound of Terrence’s phone ringing sliced through the moment. The familiar ringtone meant only one thing—Margaret.
The Final Reality Check
Valerie’s lips twisted into a bitter smile, one that held no trace of hope. She had almost believed him, but the reality of their situation was undeniable. She had been foolish to think that things could ever go back to how they were.
Terrence answered the phone, his expression immediately changing. But it wasn’t Margaret’s voice on the other end—it was her attending physician, Esteban Kirk.
“Terrence, come to the hospital now. Margaret’s heart disease has flared up, and she really needs you right now!”
Without hesitation, Terrence’s face grew serious, and he responded with his usual authority.
“I got it.”
He turned and left, his back to Valerie, walking away without a second glance.
Valerie’s Silent Resignation
Valerie stood there, her eyes following Terrence’s retreating figure. She could almost feel the cold emptiness of the space between them. Her heart didn’t even skip a beat. The reality was that nothing had really changed.
Terrence had always been more focused on Margaret, and Valerie was simply a placeholder. She had accepted that. She had to.
With a soft chuckle, she allowed herself to laugh at her own foolishness. She had thought that maybe—just maybe—Terrence had come here to be with her, to make up for the time lost.
But he hadn’t. And she no longer cared.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Despite Terrence’s absence, Valerie felt no inclination to stay home and wallow in self-pity. No, tonight, she would walk alone, retracing the path they had taken together.
She would stroll down the food street where they had shared so many simple moments. Back then, she had been completely unaware of Margaret’s shadow hanging over them. She had thought that Terrence indulged her because he loved her.
But now, it was all so clear. Valerie smiled faintly, reclaiming that part of her life for herself, even if the memories no longer carried the same warmth they once did.
And as she walked through the quiet streets, Valerie knew this would be her last time trying to hold onto something that was never truly hers to keep.
