Chapter 49: Reunion

Hadn't we agreed to part ways? What was he doing here now? Questions burgeoned like bamboo shoots after rain, tormenting Giselle beyond endurance. For the first time, she felt a class stretch longer than a year. At last, the bell rang. Giselle quickly gathered her things and rushed downstairs. Her grandmother, noticing her hurry, chided, “Giselle, he's just in the backyard, not going anywhere. What's the rush?” As she pushed open the backyard door, Giselle caught sight of a familiar silhouette. Her grandmother enjoyed basking in the backyard sun, prompting Giselle to place a quaint wooden table there. At that very table sat Chase, waiting as patiently as he had back in the days they were together, a picture of tranquility. Giselle was about to approach when her steps faltered, a peculiar emotion welling up within her. Before she could delve into this feeling, Chase turned and softly called, “Giselle.” He opened his mouth to continue, but his words seemed to lodge in his throat