Chapter 25 Chapter Twenty-Four

I don't think anyone wants to leave because it means it's over.We will be like dandelion seeds, blown in the wind and blown in different directions.We met outside the police station. After sporadic explanations, disputes, doubts, tears, and hugs, we walked slowly on the street. I took Campbell's tattered bicycle and parked in front of the first bar we passed.The bar was dark and stuffy, and the music was blaring.The men sat around the table by the window, while Pipa and I went to the bar to order drinks.I felt as if I was swimming underwater, sluggish from exhaustion and fright.As we watched the bartending behind the bar, another horrible thought crossed my mind, and I did something I've never done in my life, which was to ask someone about their sex life: Have you ever slept with him ?

who? myles. once.Maybe twice. Oh my God, Pipa. In case you're wondering, it happened after you broke up with him and before he hooked up with Leah.I just wanted to make him happy, to comfort him. So you fuck him!Can't you buy him a drink and chat with him? I figured it was a way to spend the long nights with him.Well, I've slept with murderers.This is the first time. It's not the most explosive thing you've ever said. Sorry, then she looked at me, he adored you.Maybe that's why he lost his mind.You know, people are crazy about love.He is crazy. Pipa, what happened to you?It's an animal desire, like peeing and taking up territory.

The bartender interrupts our conversation.Excuse me.It's ten pounds and thirtypence, madam. Come.I took money from my wallet and pushed it across the bar. How come you never told me?After I got back the change, I asked Pipa. Didn't I just say that. I was going to say something, but finally gave up.Why bother?The world is full of secrets, and each of us is hiding our true self, even in the face of so-called friends, we still have reservations. I managed to grab three pint glasses each and make my way to the table where my other roommates were sitting. Cheers, I raised my glass to toast, toast, what?What is there to respect?

Respect friendship.As David said, there was no sarcasm in his words. Pipa even spurted out the wine in his mouth. No, I mean it, Davy said, it was a shock, especially for Estelle and Pipa; but we're the only ones left.There are six of us. At least we know we can trust each other.Pipa added with a snort.Davy frowned at her.I glared at her in disbelief. Anyway, cheers.He said while raising his glass. Great.Dalio said. So we toasted each other.I took a sip, wary and apprehensive.I don't need alcohol to help: the world around me is already in turmoil. Nothing is real or solid. What's wrong with Miles now?Maybe still at the police station, accompanied by more lawyers?At this moment, are the police interrogating him, capturing his every word with a tape recorder?Or was he squatting alone in his cell?Did his parents know?I had met his mother a few times, and had a glimpse of his father; but my imagination faltered when I tried to piece together the reactions of the two elders to hearing that their capable son had been charged with murder.I heard Owen calling my name, but all I saw was the unreal image of Ingrid's disfigured face and Miles' gentle brown eyes.

Don't cry, said Dalio, you never cry. Sorry, I said, sorry. Estelle?It's okay, Owen said.Cry if you want. Right in front of everyone, he covered mine with his big hand and moved my hand to his lips. Hey!This is how the same thing?Dalio's eyes widened. Shut up.Owen said. But I leaned forward across the table, cupped Owen's slender face in both hands, and kissed him hard on the lips.It's fine.I said. But, of course, it can’t be all right; it’s just that the alcohol starts to ferment and we order more, chat hysterically about good old days, and even laugh for a while.It was mostly just a show, but it got us through the night until it was time to say goodbye.Just as we were about to get up, I suddenly remembered the banknotes in my pocket and immediately took them out.

It might be some sort of evidence, I said, and we'd better split it up before the cops catch us. But David stopped me.For heaven's sake, Estelle, people are starting to notice us.Don't show off your white money on this occasion. He was probably more embarrassed than scared, but I just shrugged. Leave the arithmetic to me, Pipa said, and we can make an appointment to meet in a decent place tomorrow.It was an excuse for another farewell reception. Everyone nodded and stood up, buttoned up their coats, and walked down the street together.The rain stopped and night fell, but the last vestiges of day still glowed on the horizon.The air is warm, and besides the smell of car exhaust and curry, I can also smell the scent of flowers.

Who doesn't love London?I didn't speak against anyone, just vaguely.Then: oh shit, someone punctured both tires on my bike. It's really bad, Pipa said angrily, is it good? You need a toolbox to fix it.never mind.I'll just leave the bike here and come back tomorrow to pick it up.I watched them huddle on the sidewalk.OK, that's it. We will meet again tomorrow. I hugged Pipa and clasped the arms of the others.Owen tried to stop me.Estelle, he said in a low voice, don't go yet.please. I hesitated for a moment, then took his hand.Sol was waiting for me, and I said, besides, well, there's nothing wrong with doing anything but sleep at this hour.There may never be a right time after these things.

do not talk like that. See you tomorrow, Owen.I'm not going anywhere. You are right.have a good rest.Hope you have a peaceful dream. I find it hard for me to let go.Even though we knew we were going to meet each other the next day, it felt like we were saying goodbye to them forever.With one last wave of my hand, I parted from them.Looking back, I saw them going their separate ways, like an object was knocked to pieces and shattered, and then I walked in the direction of the subway station.A police car came and passed me, but this time it had nothing to do with me, another victim, another crime.I walked past crowded bars, closed shops, pools of light cast on the street, and a bridge where a couple was embracing and pigeons were nesting.The fear gradually dissipated, and even for a moment, all I could notice was the slap of my feet on the pavement, all I could feel was the warmth of the day on my face, and all I could see was the road ahead around the corner.The story draws to an end, but summer is just beginning.