Chapter 2

"Julian, I think we need to talk. I really don't want to keep fighting with you."

I stopped tracing the page with my fingertips, slipped the bookmark in, closed the book, and turned toward the direction of her voice.

"Can you tell me what’s wrong with you lately? Are you tired of me? Is that why you lose your temper so often?"

I let out a self-deprecating laugh and closed my eyes, which could no longer tell night from day. "Lily, your voice is so beautiful. Do you remember Chloe Evans? I never told you this, but your voices sound so similar. I can barely tell you two apart."

Lily froze. She took a step back, letting go of my hand. "Why are you suddenly bringing her up?"

They say when a person loses their sight, their hearing becomes incredibly sharp. I am no exception.

Even though I couldn't see her face, and even though she tried her best to hide her shock at hearing that name, I could still hear the slight tremor in her voice.

I didn't answer her question. Instead, I started talking about our college days.

"I don't remember when I first met Chloe. I just knew she was your best friend. But she was always so shy, barely speaking, always hiding in your shadow."

Lily didn't say a word. Maybe she was lost in the memories just like me.

"But then, one day, I finally heard her speak a full sentence. I realized she wasn't completely invisible. At least, her voice was just as beautiful as yours."

I heard the sound of her hair whipping as Lily snapped her head up. She stopped hiding her emotions, her voice filled with agitation. "Is that how you saw her?"

Sensing she had overreacted, she quickly added, "She is my best friend!"

"I'm sorry," I said, holding my head in guilt. "Since I lost my sight, I haven't heard anything about her. I thought you guys drifted apart because of me."

Seeing me in pain, Lily softened. She rushed over and wrapped her arms around me. "No, it wasn't because of you."

I breathed in the faint scent of gardenia on her skin. "I want to apologize to her for what happened back then. Can you invite her over to our place?"

Lily's body went stiff, rigid as a robot. "She doesn't live in Oakridge anymore. If you have something to say, tell me. I'll pass it on."

"I just wanted to tell her... thank you for loving me back then. But having you is enough for me."