That was probably the reason why Matthew shrunk into a shell that he created for himself. Being pressured to do something that you didn’t want to do was probably one of the most depressing feelings in the world. He didn’t ask for this, yet it was given to him nevertheless and he was expected to take it with a pinch of gratitude.Maybe it was just teenage puberty that made him want to rebel against everything, but the truth was that he was just tired of everything.It was painting that helped him relax, and made him feel like he was being transported into another world. A world that was peaceful and calming, a world where he could be himself and express his imagination the way he wanted. Painting gave him a safe haven that he never knew he needed before, and it was probably the only thing that kept him sane all this time.But the moment his father found out that he preferred to paint instead of studying, he flew into a fit of rage. Edward confiscated all of his art supplies and threate

The next day, Matthew decided that he would approach Allison early before classes started so that he could return her umbrella to her.Last night, he had indeed been hit by heavy rain. If she hadn’t insisted on letting him keep the umbrella, he reckoned that he could’ve been soaking wet by the time he arrived home. His mother, as always, had been worried and scolded him a bit about not bringing a coat. As she followed him into his room, he took that opportunity to tell her about his plans.Martha was indeed surprised at his sudden decision, but she felt that it was necessary. Truthfully, she didn’t quite approve of Mr. Jenkins and his teaching style, but Edward had stubbornly insisted on it given the fact that Mr. Jenkins had built quite the reputation for himself in the tutoring community for being the one who educated many successful people in the business world. Martha couldn’t find it in herself to disagree completely since Matthew’s grades were lower than what she expected, but s

Allison waited, but thirty minutes had already passed and there was still no sign of Matthew. She had no idea how long she’d been here and how long she’d been out. A few hours, maybe? But she couldn’t be quite sure yet.She wanted to call for a nurse, but she was too weak to even sit up. She just laid there on the bed, her mind dizzy and her lungs fighting to breathe normally. She felt so tired and in pain that she could no longer move the way she wanted to.In the end, sleep came to her, and she embraced her slumber once more. She didn’t dream of Matthew again and nor did she remember their past memories. Instead, she had a dreamless sleep, which was a nice reprieve from her normal bouts of insomnia.As time passed, however, something made her stir. Something warm was pressing against her skin, a large hand that was gently grasping her lower arm, making her feel inexplicably safe and secure. It was as though it was telling her that she was not alone, that she was worth it.Dangerous

The chemotherapy treatments were like hell for Allison.Matthew remained her only support throughout the entire process. She thought that if it weren’t for him being there, she wouldn’t have been able to handle it.No wonder they always said that probably the loneliest feeling in the world is being sick and alone, with no one to take care of you, and nobody who even knew you existed.She hated to admit it, but she was starting to get used to him. His presence was filling her days like refreshing water to her empty, broken glass. Though the cracks were minuscule, and the water seeped out from the glass in droplets, at least she could carry his support within her, and she could feel how much he truly cared about her.It was like… he was family.Even though she broke that family relationship herself years ago.Yet he was still here with her, staying by her side no matter what…It was stirring conflicted feelings in her heart that she didn’t know what to do with.***Meanwhile, Matthew wa

Allison lay awake in bed and couldn’t fall asleep, but she didn’t open her eyes.When she peeked for a bit, she saw Matthew sitting nearby with his back facing her, his head leaning against the phone he was pressing to his ear. He was talking to someone, and she knew who it was.He was speaking in a low voice, but because the room was quiet and he thought she was asleep, bits and pieces of their conversation drifted into her ears.“How have you been? Yes… there were some… last I heard, it was…”“I see…”“Everything okay… when is the… I see… when I checked there was…”“Yeah… fine… she’s doing okay… it’s been really rough… the treatments… exhausting…”Matthew kept on talking in this quiet tone, and his voice was noticeably gentle, as though he were talking to the most precious thing in the world.Allison knew just by that tone that he was speaking to Lily.A bitter sensation swelled up in her throat.“I’m okay,” Matthew was saying, and he seemed to be more comfortable now since he was t