Chapter 338

I had a dream. In the dream, I was transported back to the monotone apartment. I saw Bruce there—the man who'd once been the apple of my eye. He had recently returned from a competition with a bouquet and a cake from Dolce Passione for my birthday. The Dolce Passione cake was luxurious and expensive, according to my classmates. He wore the white shirt that I liked on him. He sounded unsually gentle. "Nance, happy birthday." This was my first birthday he celebrated with me, but at that time, little did I know that it'd be the last birthday I'd get to spend with him. He'd even made a few dishes for me, which was uncharacteristic of him. I had thought he'd grown up sheltered and pampered, but he turned out to be a somewhat decent cook. Sitting at the 100-square-foot table in the living room, I broke into tears at the sight of the gift he'd spent half of his prize money on and the birthday meal he'd prepared for me. We were poor back then. While crying, I said to him, "Bruce, this