The Forgotten Love ✔

23 Dannie

Dannie POV.

I chat with David on my phone.

He went to Pennsylvania and brought back the two stray cats I used to take care of to New York.

Knowing they like to roam outside, David had a craftsman specially leave a small hole in the door of his villa so they could come and go as they please.

He also chats with me about the news, the new cakes at the bakery near our university, and sometimes about his work.

I think of that bakery, typing to ask him what flavor the new cakes are, while wiping the corners of my mouth to prevent drooling.

Then, on the weekend, David shows up in the mountain village with the cakes.

I take them, eyes wide in surprise.

David, looking tired but calm, says, "I had some business over here sn I wanted to bring these for you."

I worry about him traveling so far all the time, who knows what might happen on the road? So I never dare to express my interest in anything over the phone again.

Christmas is approaching, and I'm busy preparing for my students' exams and a national painting competition for teenagers.

I have an outstanding student who is talented in painting and loves it. But her family is very poor, unable even to afford her education, let alone painting supplies.

I feel it's such a waste for such a talented student not to be able to paint, so I use my own money to support her. I encourage her to pursue her dreams, telling her that if possible, I will support her through college.

As I say these words, I think of David. I'm usually busy with classes and rarely think of him.

But at this moment, I think, if it weren't for him, I would have dropped out of college long ago. I would be busy working, trying to save money for my mother's medical expenses, and I wouldn't have the energy to paint.

Many years later, I would become an ordinary middle-aged woman, marrying and having children with just anyone, and no one would remember that I used to paint.

I wouldn't even remember it myself.

Before Christmas, my students' exam results are satisfactory, so I pack my bags and head to New York. David waits for me at the airport with flowers. When he sees me, he hugs me tightly for a long time before letting go. Then he takes me to his home.

"Can you take me to school next semester? I have quite a bit to take," I ask.

"Next semester?" David looks surprised.

"Yes, holidays will always pass," I say calmly.

David pauses for a moment, then smiles again, "Of course, I'll take you there."

Anthony also knows I'm back, so he invites me to dinner that night. There are four of us: Anthony and his boyfriend, me, and David.

I drink a little wine and when I get home, I go to take a shower and then go straight to bed.

David comes to bed later, sitting there for a long time looking at me.

I feel strange, and turn to look at him.

David struggles to speak, "May I...?"

Curious, I sit up, "What do you want to say?"

David doesn't answer.

I don't pressure him, just say, "I missed you in the mountains."

David's eyes are a little red as he says, "I missed you too."