6
Mark stepped down from the podium, loosening
his tie. He’d scanned the crowd, looking for
Sarah, but she wasn’t there. She was always so
punctual, so precise with her time. A company
く
A weird feeling crawled up his spine. He was
about to call her when he realized his phone
was gone. Liz, looking all bright and eager,
materialized out of nowhere, “Mr. Hamilton,
someone found your phone. I was close by, so I
brought it over.”
Mark nodded coldly, taking his phone. He
turned to leave, then stopped. “Hey, next time,
don’t try to fix my tie. I have eyes and hands. I
can do it myself.”
Liz bit her lip, tears welling up. “I just wanted to
say thank you.”
Mark was confused. “That’s something my
girlfriend does. Not you.” He felt a warm
sensation thinking of Sarah. “The award was no
big deal. Just to make your mom feel better. I
don’t need anything in return.”
Liz started to cry, “But, that one time…”
<
12:10
Mark interrupted, “That was a mistake. I was
drunk. I know I didn’t touch you.”
His harsh words cut into Liz. She bowed, “I’m
sorry.”
(54)
Mark thought the girl was too emotional. Like a
rabbit, ready to cry any minute. Sarah was
better. He liked her stubbornness. Even when
she cried, she’d wipe away the tears. She never
showed weakness easily.
The moment Sarah asked about marriage, he’d
been confused. Was it really Sarah he wanted?
Did he want to spend the rest of his life with
her?
He had doubted for a moment. He hated
himself for it.
Not to mention, that stupid night with Liz. Even
though he knew he hadn’t done anything wrong,
<
12:10
he couldn’t tell Sarah.
So, when she asked about marriage, he
panicked. He kept putting it off.
54
But today, standing in front of the crowd, he
had decided. It was Sarah. She would always be
there.
Mark got excited, and he sped home, to Sarah.
The house was empty.
