Chapter 8

Harsh light stabbed my eyes. Dark shapes loomed. “Haley… Haley…” Someone called, shook me. Opening my eyes, I saw a young, vibrant face. It was Mia, whom I’d beaten to death. I recoiled instinctively, but she just pouted. “Haley, what’s wrong? You fainted! Was it heatstroke?” I looked around. We were on a university sports field. Surrounded by youthful faces. I nearly jumped for joy. Just then, a cool, aloof figure passed through the crowd. Lola! I chased after her desperately, but she vanished. No matter! Back in my twenties, anything was possible! “Haley? What’s gotten into you?” “You just walked off! Everyone saw! It was so embarrassing!” Mia’s pretty face was sulky. I remembered. This was the peak of our relationship. A month from now, Mia would meet her future husband. Two years later, she’d be forced to marry. I pushed her hand off my sleeve. “Mia, let’s break up.” “What?” “I said, let’s break up. Maybe I never truly loved you. I just didn’t realize it before.” Mia stared, disbel