To keep Laura in high spirits, not a single family member brought up the fact that I had been missing for a long time.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

A flicker of light lit up David’s eyes. He immediately got up and walked quickly to the door.

He naively assumed that I had heard the news about my sister’s pregnancy, had let go of the past, and was back to celebrate with the family.

However, the moment he opened the door, his smile vanished.

Standing outside was someone he never expected to see.

It was my best friend, Lucy.

She stood there with her arms crossed, eyes sharp as she glared at David. She asked straight to the point, “Where’s Eva?”

Lucy and I had been friends for over a decade.

She had a tough life, too. After her mother remarried and abandoned her, she grew up under the care of her alcoholic father.

Forced by circumstances, she had become as tough as any boy, hot-tempered and explosive with most people.

Though with me, she was always gentle and caring.

No matter what injustice I faced, at home or outside, she would be the one to listen, protect, and fight for me.

“She’s not here. If you’re looking for her, ask someone else.”