雨水 [35] / [35]
Cynthia opened the door.
"You're back really late. Were you out with John the whole time?"
"Yeah, we went to the pub. We just talked about a lot of things."
Cynthia didn't dare ask him about what they discussed, and Alexander was not inclined to bring it up.
"Look, I think it's best that I leave. I think I'm well enough to look after myself at home, and―"
"You remember what the doctor said, right? Besides, it's not just the physical trauma you experienced. You underwent a lot beneath the surface as well. I'm speaking as a friend, not just your boss. I'm worried about you being alone."
Alexander was exhausted, a little tipsy, and just wanted to sleep. He didn't feel like arguing, and decided to sleep on it. If he felt like leaving in the morning, then he would, but right now, he just wanted sleep.
"I'm going to bed. I probably just had a little too much to drink. We'll talk in the morning."
She nodded, and he turned towards the guest bedroom in which he had been staying for the past few nights.
"Good night."
He said, turning back to her, and she smiled, with a slight wave, responding,
"Good night. Try to get some rest."
Alexander entered the room and laid down on the bed. He liked the smell of the sheets ever since he started to use this bedroom. The fresh citrus scent always seemed to wash every negative thought from his head, although alcohol shook his quiet mind.
There was a piece of Alexander’s heart which was obviously fond of Cynthia. But he didn't want to express that to her frankly. He thought it was already too late to reveal these sort of feelings. It wasn't like when they were in their 20s. There were too many conditions to consider. And it was too obvious that, if he spat out his true heart, it would complicate things. He didn't want to be bothered. She would feel the same, he thought.
Sometimes it's much more comfortable to hide truth. That was the way he had lived. 2 instances of failed love, actually 3 including that murderer, Sarah, made Alexander much more frightened to start any relationship now. Sarah's attractiveness grabbed his consciousness. His thoughts drifted off, and he gradually fell asleep without noticing.