If You Had Stayed

Chapter 1

Ten years ago, Bernice heartlessly broke up with him out of fear that he wasn't wealthy enough to provide for her. Now, she was tasting the bitter fruit of her choice.

At 6:00 PM, the market was packed with people. Bernice struggled to weave her way through the crowd, trying to pick out a few items to bring home. Her young daughter, sitting on the back of the bicycle, kept whining about the heat in the congested marketplace. Bernice felt a wave of frustration rising as she tried to soothe her child, dodge passing vehicles, and select food all at once. Suddenly, she was startled by a loud voice calling from behind:

"Bernice! Bernice!"

Before she could figure out where the voice was coming from, she saw a man hurrying toward her. He grabbed her hand, his face beaming with joy. In stark contrast, Bernice looked utterly dazed, her eyes bewildered, not daring to meet his gaze. His warm enthusiasm only deepened her sense of shame.

"It’s been so long! Would you like to step into a cafe and catch up?"

"Oh... sure."

Bernice felt a burning awkwardness accept his invitation, yet she had no idea how else to handle the situation. If she had the right to refuse, she probably would have just turned and walked away. But his eager, completely unresentful attitude left her unable to say no.